Somalia: Welcoming new Federal Parliament, Ban urges completion of electoral process

Dec 30, 2016, at 04:56 am

New York, Dec 29 (Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the inauguration of the new Federal Parliament of Somalia on 27 December and warmly congratulated the people of Somalia on this historic achievement in their quest for universal suffrage by 2020.

On International Day, Ban stresses need for solidarity to bridge sustainable development gaps

Dec 21, 2016, at 03:06 pm

New York, Dec 21 (Just Earth News): While the world has achieved significant progress in human development over the past two decades, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pointed out on Tuesdaythat “prosperity has not been shared by all,” as he lauded the virtues of confronting the void with solidarity.

In Vienna, Ban visits fusion restaurant that exemplifies ‘togetherness’ of refugees and locals

Dec 09, 2016, at 12:47 pm

New York, Dec 9 (Just Earth News): During his trip to Vienna, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday visited a restaurant where refugees work together with locals to serve Austrian-Arab fusion cuisine, using this opportunity to showcase the UN system-wide initiative to counter xenophobia launched in September.

In Vienna, Ban says UN and Austria will continue cooperation in promoting shared goa

Dec 08, 2016, at 01:14 pm

New York, Dec 8 (Just Earth News): Kicking off what is likely to be his final overseas trip before leaving office at the end of the month, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Austria on Wednesday, meeting the President-elect, foreign ministry officials, and press in Vienna.

Ban urges peaceful resolution of impasse in DR Congo

Dec 08, 2016, at 05:50 am

New York, Dec 8 (Just Earth News): Welcoming the announcement of the continuation of the mediation led by the Conférence épiscopale des églises du Congo (Catholic Church - CENCO) to achieve a more inclusive consensus on the upcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on all political actors in the country to recommit themselves to this dialogue.

Volunteers are ‘instrumental to the future of people and the planet’ – Ban says on International Day

Dec 06, 2016, at 01:24 pm

New York, Dec 6 (Just Earth News): Marking International Volunteer Day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday hailed the volunteers for providing shelter and support for refugees as well as those who were integral in emergency response situations in Haiti, Sri Lanka, Mali, and Colombia, saying that throughout the world, UN Volunteers (UNV) are among those who work to achieve peace.

UN’s Ban apologizes to people of Haiti, outlines new plan to fight cholera epidemic and help communities

Dec 02, 2016, at 01:15 pm

New York, Dec 2 (Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday apologized to the people of Haiti, expressing deep regret for the loss of life and suffering caused by the country’s cholera epidemic, and outlined the way forward including immediate steps to stem the outbreak and long-term support for those affected – while also highlighting the need for adequate funding of the proposal.

Ghana: Ban urges President, opposition leader to defuse tensions ahead of upcoming elections

Nov 30, 2016, at 01:32 pm

New York, Nov 30 (Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday urged Ghana’s President and the opposition leader to continue their role in defusing tensions towards the holding of peaceful and credible elections in the African country.

‘Urgent steps’ needed to revive two-state solution, Ban says on Day of Solidarity with Palestinian people

Nov 30, 2016, at 05:26 am

New York, Nov 29 (Just Earth News): Marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the world to reaffirm commitment to upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and working to build a future of peace, justice, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

Ban 'deeply concerned' about deteriorating situation along 'Line of Control' in Kashmir

Nov 25, 2016, at 01:54 pm

New York, Nov 25 (Just Earth News): “Deeply concerned” about the deterioration of the situation along the Line of Control in Kashmir in recent days, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday called on all involved to prioritize the restoration of calm and stability in order to prevent any further escalation and loss of life.

Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders should build on 'substantial' achievements – Ban

Nov 24, 2016, at 01:19 pm

New York, Nov 24 (Just Earth News): Noting the “best efforts” of the Turkish Cypriot leader and the Greek Cypriot leader at the United Nations-brokered talks held recently in Switzerland, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged them to continue their efforts in line with their shared commitment to do their utmost in order to reach a settlement in 2016.

Water resources ‘a reason for cooperation, not conflict,’ Ban tells Security Council

Nov 23, 2016, at 12:15 pm

New York, Nov 23 (Just Earth News): Noting that three quarters of UN Member States share rivers or lake basins with their neighbours, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday highlighted the value of water resources as a reason for cooperation, not conflict.

Ban welcomes Haiti elections, urges parties to show statesmanship as process moves forward

Nov 22, 2016, at 12:27 pm

New York, Nov 22 (Just Earth News): Welcoming the holding of elections in Haiti on 20 November, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday stressed that the process “is crucial to ending the current governance vacuum” and urged all the parties involved “to show statesmanship at this critical time for the country.”

On Africa Industrialization Day, Ban urges financing 'engines of development' to realize continent's potential

Nov 21, 2016, at 05:38 am

New York, Nov 20 (Just Earth News): In his message for Africa Industrialization Day, United Nations Secretary-General has called on African countries to adopt policies that encourage growth of the private sector and foster entrepreneurship in order to advance economic competitiveness and prosperity in the continent.

Noting upcoming elections in Mali, Ban urges Government to engage with all actors to diffuse tensions

Nov 20, 2016, at 01:06 pm

New York, Nov 20 (Just Earth News): Ahead of local elections in Mali, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has encouraged the Government to pursue a constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to defuse tensions that may arise before and after the poll and to ensure that the holding of the elections do not compromise the advances made towards peace in the country.

In Paris, Ban hails support of France during his tenure as UN chief

Nov 19, 2016, at 02:10 pm

New York, Nov 19 (Just Earth News): In a meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of France, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed the leadership of the country in the adoption of the historic Paris Agreement on climate change, last December, as well as for its role in the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

MARRAKECH: ‘We need everyone,’ Ban says, urging society-wide engagement in implementation of Paris climate accord

Nov 18, 2016, at 02:09 pm

New York, Nov 18 (Just Earth News): Rallying stakeholders gathered in Marrakech, Morocco, for the United Nations Climate Conference, known as ‘COP 22,’ Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday urged everyone – “from the local to the global” – including the private sector, cities and civil society, to get involved in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

DR Congo: Ban takes note of appointment of new Prime Minister

Nov 18, 2016, at 01:57 pm

New York, Nov 18 (Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki moon has taken note of the appointment on Thursday of Samy Badibanga as Prime Minister ahead of the formation of a transitional government of national unity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in line with the political agreement of 18 October.

MARRAKECH: UN chief urges rapid scale-up in funding to address climate change

Nov 17, 2016, at 12:23 pm

New York, Nov 17 (Just Earth News): As the United Nations Climate Conference, known as COP 22, continued its work on Wednesday in Marrakech, Morocco, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged greater efforts to mobilize funding to address climate change, especially to support developing countries.

Tolerance is a commitment 'to seek in our diversity, the bonds that unite humanity' – UN

Nov 17, 2016, at 03:55 am

New York, Nov 16 (Just Earth News): Underscoring the importance of tolerance, particularly in on Wednesday's diverse world, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have called for seeing the world through the prism of “we the peoples” and to collectively build societies that are more inclusive, more peaceful and more prosperous.

Ban welcomes resolution of border dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon

Nov 16, 2016, at 09:32 am

New York, Nov 16 (Just Earth News): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday hosted on Tuesday a signing ceremony on the margins of the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (popularly known as COP-22) in Morocco’s capital Marrakech.

MARRAKECH: Ban hails 'new dawn of cooperation on climate change,' urges action on Paris accord

Nov 16, 2016, at 04:32 am

New York, Nov 15 (Just Earth News): As senior government officials gather in Marrakech, Morocco, to chart the implementation course for the landmark Paris Agreement, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday hailed the opening of a “new dawn for global cooperation on climate change” and told the United Nations Climate Conference (COP 22) that it is critical to now translate words into effective actions.

Ban commends Colombian Government and FARC-EP for concluding modified peace agreement

Nov 14, 2016, at 01:48 pm

New York, Nov 14 (Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has commended the efforts by the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia- People's Army (FARC-EP) to conclude a modified peace agreement that incorporates many of the proposals of the groups representing Colombians who voted “No” in the 2 October plebiscite, Ban's spokesperson said on Sunday.

Ban congratulates Donald Trump on his election as next US President

Nov 10, 2016, at 01:40 pm

New York, Nov 9 (Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday congratulated Donald Trump on his election as the new President of the United States.

UN chief highlights importance of preparedness to reduce tsunami risks

Nov 06, 2016, at 04:36 am

New York, Nov 5 (Just Earth News): In his message marking the first World Tsunami Awareness Day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the importance of reducing current and future levels of risk, particularly through strengthening preparedness.

South Sudan: Ban to put in place measures to improve UN Mission’s ability to protect civilians

Nov 02, 2016, at 04:45 am

New York, Nov 1 (Just Earth News): Alarmed by the “serious shortcomings” uncovered by an independent investigation into the response of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) after deadly violence erupted in and around its premises in Juba this past July, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will introduce a raft of measures for the Mission to better protect civilians – including through greater accountability of the mission's civilian and uniformed leadership, Ban’s spokesperson said on Tuesday.

In phone call with South African President, UN chief expresses hope country will 'reconsider' decision to withdraw from International Criminal Court

Oct 31, 2016, at 01:38 pm

New York, Oct 31 (Just Earth News): In a telephone conversation with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon regretted the country's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and expressed hope that it would reconsider the decision before the withdrawal takes effect.

UN chief set to open next month ‘crucial phase’ of negotiations on Cyprus

Oct 29, 2016, at 02:07 pm

New York, Oct 29 (Just Earth News): The Turkish Cypriot leader and the Greek Cypriot leader will head to Switzerland early next month for a meeting that will be opened by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and will kick-off an intensive week of negotiations of the Cyprus talks, a senior UN envoy announced on Friday.

Ban urges all parties in Venezuela to reduce polarization and engage sincerely in dialogue process

Oct 29, 2016, at 02:06 pm

New York, Oct 29 (Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday welcomed the Vatican’s joining of the ongoing initiative by former Heads of State and Government to promote dialogue between the Government of Venezuela and the country’s political opposition, under the auspices of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

‘Nothing is more powerful than the human spirit,’ Ban tells memorial honouring fallen UN staff

Oct 27, 2016, at 01:40 pm

New York, Oct 27 (Just Earth News): Joined by staff and families of the women and men of the United Nations who lost their lives between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2016, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a memorial service at UN Headquarters on Wednesday that “those who destroy may think bombs and bullets are the most powerful force […] but nothing is more powerful than the human spirit.”