Ban welcomes UN’s endorsement of action plan on post-2015 development financing
Jul 28, 2015, at 02:35 pm
New York, Jul 28 (IBNS): The United Nations General Assembly on Monday endorsed the new global action agenda for financing sustainable development adopted two weeks ago by a major UN conference, and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the move as a major step that firmly puts the world “on the path to a more prosperous, just and sustainable world for this and future generations.â€
UN chief condemns deadly Al Shabaab attack against hotel in Mogadishu
Jul 28, 2015, at 02:32 pm
New York, Jul 28 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the attack perpetrated by Al Shabaab on Sunday on the Al-Jazeera Hotel in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
Ban condemns deadly twin suicide bombings in northern Cameroon
Jul 25, 2015, at 03:36 pm
New York, Jul 25 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the twin suicide bombings that targeted the city of Maroua, the capital of Cameroon’s Extreme North province, on 22 July.
Ban says Israelis, Palestinians must show restraint
Jun 23, 2014, at 06:11 pm
Washington, June 23 (IBNS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has stressed the need to avoid an escalation of tensions in the wake of the recent abduction of three Israeli teenagers and the increased violence and mass arrests in the West Bank.
Ban congratulates Colombians on presidential vote
Jun 17, 2014, at 05:31 pm
New York, Jun 17 (IBNS): Following confirmation that President Juan Manuel Santos has been re-elected, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday said he looks forward to continuing to work with his Government in "efforts to promote peace, human rights and development" for all Colombians.
Ban deplores attacks on civilians in Kenya
Jun 17, 2014, at 05:27 pm
New York, Jun 17 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned "in the strongest terms" the attacks that took place on Sunday in Mpeketoni, Kenya, which reportedly killed at least 48 people and wounded many more.
Ban urges laws to ensure dignity for elderly persons
Jun 16, 2014, at 05:00 pm
New York, Jun 16 (IBNS): Warning that elderly people in all societies can be vulnerable to physical, psychological and financial abuse, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday appealed to the international community to adopt measures to address all aspects of this routinely under-acknowledged public health, social and human rights issue.
Ban condemns abduction of three Israeli youths
Jun 16, 2014, at 04:57 pm
New York, Jun 16 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the abduction of three Israeli students in the West Bank, urging everyone to exercise restraint and to support efforts for the release and safe return of the young people, who include two minors.
Ban urges action on sexual violence in conflict
Jun 13, 2014, at 05:26 pm
New York, Jun 13 (IBNS): Noting that sexual violence in conflict remains widespread, yet largely invisible, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday called for concerted efforts to "turn the tide" and rid the world of this scourge.
Ban seeks political solutions to differences in Libya
Jun 13, 2014, at 05:22 pm
New York, Jun 13 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday encouraged all Libyans to remain engaged in the search for political solutions to resolve differences, while stressing the importance of the peaceful and timely holding of legislative elections later this month.
UN kicks off campaign as football World Cup opens in Brazil
Jun 13, 2014, at 05:17 pm
New York, Jun 13 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Thursday to attend the opening game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as United Nations agencies carry out a number of projects and activities related to one of the greatest sporting events on the planet.
Ban welcomes successful Kosovo assembly elections
Jun 11, 2014, at 06:16 pm
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the successful conduct of assembly elections in Kosovo and called on authorities to remain committed to strengthening democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights of all living there.
Ban welcomes start of peace talks between Colombia, rebels
Jun 11, 2014, at 05:34 pm
New York, Jun 11 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday welcomed the announced start of peace talks between the Government of Colombia and representatives of the National Liberation Army (ELN), and encouraged all parties to remain committed to the pursuit of peace in the country.
Ban concerned over Palestinian detainees on hunger strike
Jun 07, 2014, at 06:49 pm
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern on Friday about reports regarding the deteriorating health of Palestinian administrative detainees who have been on hunger strike for over a month.
Ban launches UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All
Jun 06, 2014, at 06:38 pm
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): Launching the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday hailed modern energy services as the source of profound and life-changing opportunities - for the poorest communities and the richest investors - and urged generating the innovative ideas and vital partnerships to wholly transform the global energy landscape.
Ban concerned over Israeli settlement expansion in West Bank
Jun 06, 2014, at 06:24 pm
New York, Jun 6 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Thursday he is deeply concerned by reports that Israeli authorities have issued tenders for the construction of over 1,400 new housing units in settlements in the West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem.
Ban welcomes formation of Palestinian unity government
Jun 04, 2014, at 05:27 pm
New York, Jun 4 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of the formation of a Palestinian unity government headed by Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, and hoped that new opportunities for progress towards a two-State solution with Israel will emerge soon.
Ban launches video campaign to end sexual violence
Jun 04, 2014, at 05:25 pm
New York, Jun 4 (IBNS): Speaking at the launch of a video campaign on ending sexual violence through gender equality, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday that it is time to demand action to eliminate a scourge that harms millions of women and girls around the world.
Ban praises contributions of Spain to UN
Jun 04, 2014, at 05:09 pm
New York, Jun 4 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Spain's Queen Sofia on Tuesday highlighted the continued need for girls' education, addressing the livelihood challenges faced by today's youth and continuing to combat intolerance, while the United Nations chief also recognized the contributions rendered by King Juan Carlos during his reign.
Ban condoles death of celebrated African-American poet
May 30, 2014, at 05:41 pm
New York, May 30 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon mourned the death of celebrated African-American poet and author Maya Angelou, saying the United Nations owed her a particular debt of gratitude for the moving poem she wrote for the world body's 50th anniversary.
CAR: Ban deplores recent attacks, urges end to violence
May 30, 2014, at 05:36 pm
New York, May 30 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday strongly condemned the recent attacks in the Central African Republic (CAR) and encouraged the country's Transitional Authority to do everything within its means to prevent further violence and to hold the perpetrators to account.
Ban welcomes peaceful polls in Ukraine
May 28, 2014, at 05:59 pm
New York, May 28 (IBNS): While welcoming the 'generally peaceful' nature of Ukraine's weekend presidential elections, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday expressed concern that eligible voters in some parts of the county's crisis torn eastern region were not allowed to participate in the national poll.
Ban urges Lebanon to elect president without delay
May 26, 2014, at 04:58 pm
New York, May 26 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday regretted that the Lebanese Parliament was unable to elect a new president within the timeframe set by the constitution and called on the country's leaders to select a new one "without delay".
Ban urges efforts to unleash Africa's potential in agriculture
May 26, 2014, at 04:53 pm
New York, May 26 (IBNS): The world must do more to unleash Africa's full potential in agriculture, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday said while also urging the continent's leaders and development partners to combat growing social and economic inequalities.
Ban condemns attack on electoral rally in Syria
May 24, 2014, at 08:17 pm
New York, May 24 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday condemned a deadly mortar attack on an electoral rally in southern Syria and reiterated his call for an end to violence in the country.
Ban calls for return to civilian order in Thailand
May 23, 2014, at 04:30 pm
New York, May 23 (IBNS): Appealing for "a prompt return to civilian order" in Thailand, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed serious concern about the military takeover in the country on Thursday and urged all parties to respect human rights and refrain from violence.
Ban seeks justice for perpetrators of Chinese market attack
May 23, 2014, at 04:27 pm
New York, May 23 (IBNS): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned Thursday's attack on civilians at an open-air market in Xinjiang, China, and said he hoped that those responsible will be brought to justice.
Cooperation key to healing Asia's rifts: Ban
May 22, 2014, at 05:41 pm
New York, May 22 (IBNS): While hailing Asia's dynamism, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday cautioned leaders gathered in Shanghai that despite best efforts, the wider Asian theatre is the scene of some of the "most worrying tensions in the world on Wednesday," and urged healing the region's rifts, including the Syrian crisis, the spread of deadly weapons, and local territorial disputes, through cooperation and common interests.
Ban urges candidates to ensure peaceful elections in Malawi
May 21, 2014, at 05:55 pm
New York, May 21 (IBNS): Ahead of simultaneous presidential, parliamentary and local government elections in Malawi, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged all candidates political parties, and State institutions to ensure that the polls are peaceful and inclusive.
Ban concerned over flood-hit Balkans, seeks disaster response
May 21, 2014, at 05:32 pm
New York, May 21 (IBNS): As the United Nations and its humanitarian partners ramp up disaster response in the Balkans, where heavy rains have led to massive floods and devastating mudslides, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern for affected populations in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia desperate for fresh water, medicines, and other basic necessities.