UN chief`s 2nd term

Ban Ki-moon will serve as secretary-general of the United Nations for another five years. The U.N. Security Council unanimously voted Thursday to recommend Ban for a second consecutive term as U.N. chief. After the representatives of 192 U.N. member states go through the formality of applauding at the U.N. General Assembly Tuesday, Ban will start his second term from Jan. 1 next year. He is the first Korean to both become U.N. chief and serve a second consecutive term.

Among his seven predecessors, only Boutros Boutros-Ghali did not serve second straight terms. Ban is not the first to serve two consecutive terms but overcame harsh criticism from the West. Until one or two years ago, he had been criticized for a low-key style, especially by the U.S. and Europe. Norway’s vice ambassador to the world body sent a report to his government in 2009 describing Ban as lacking charisma. U.S. and European media rushed to cover stories on this report to intentionally criticize Ban. An undersecretary general for oversight who retired told U.S. media in July last year that the U.N. has lost transparency and lacks responsibility.

Ban overcame criticism through diplomatic ability. The White House said that under his leadership, the U.N. was able to properly handle crises in Cote d’Ivoire, Haiti, southern Sudan and Libya. When judged by how well he is able to operate within these constraints, Ban`s record is strong. Two recent crises -- Libya and Cote d`Ivoire -- offer good examples of Ban`s leadership style.

Even North Korea supported Ban serving a second term. His leadership style was especially highlighted by his democratization efforts for North Africa and the Middle East. Ban urged Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to immediately step down and blasted Moammar Gaddafi’s violent suppression of anti-government protests. Ban’s efforts contributed to Mubarak leaving office and U.N. military intervention in Libya.

Ban has numerous issues to resolve going forward, including the democratization of the Arab world, preventing nuclear weapons development in North Korea and Iran, and reforming the U.N. His strong leadership must continue for cohesion of power among U.N member states. Active U.N. intervention to prevent the North’s nuclear weapons development is especially crucial.

Ban has raised the pride of Koreans and is a model for young people. The Korean public should support Ban in his efforts to resolve pressing global issues and bring peace to the world.