Ban Ki-moon

Ban Ki-moon (born 13 June 1944) is a South Korean politician and diplomat who served as the eighth secretary-general of the United Nations from 2007 to 2016. Prior to his appointment, Ban held the position of South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2004 to 2006. He campaigned for the office of Secretary-General starting in February 2006, initially considered a long shot. However, his extensive travel as foreign minister of South Korea, visiting all countries on the United Nations Security Council, made him the front runner. Elected on 13 October 2006, Ban succeeded Kofi Annan on 1 January 2007. During his tenure, he implemented significant reforms in peacekeeping and UN employment practices.