Ban lists achievements as UN Sec-Gen, says `I have more regrets’

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Outgoing UN Scribe, Ban Ki-moon, said on Friday that he had more regrets leaving office after a two-term tenure than celebrations.

Ban, who made the remarks during his final press briefing as secretary-general, with the UN Correspondents, emphasised his sadness over the ongoing hot-beds around the world.

“I regret leaving so much for my predecessor but I’m urging that we should do more to come to agreement on finding solutions to humanity problems,” Ban said.

He, however, noted some notable achievements during his tenure, pointing out the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement and the Women Inclusiveness in UN appointments.

“We are living in era of turmoil and challenges. The world leaders have shown commitment through adopting 2030 agenda and 17 sustainable development goals that cover every aspect of humanity.

“If we can achieve that, then the world would be a better place to live.

“On Climate change also, I was able to mobilise world leaders to achieve the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

“Nobody can change it. That is something I am proud of.

“We will continue to support the global momentum behind the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

“Climate action means jobs, growth, cleaner air and better health. Leaders from across the globe and on every front understand this – from Fortune 500 CEOs to Governors and Mayors.

“The Paris Agreement on climate change is a precious achievement that we must support and nurture. There is no turning back.”

On gender parity, he said: “At least I have tried to change the mentality of male society that men should live together equally with men.

“That there should be gender parity because there are more women living on this planet earth than men and we must give them more opportunities politically, economically and socially.

“During my term, I appointed more women into positions of responsibility than my seven predecessors combined,” he said.

The outgoing UN chief commended the incoming secretary-general Antonio Guterres for appointing women into the three top UN positions in list of his first appointments.

“I am also happy that my successor has started on a good footing by appointing women into high level positions at the UN.

“It is my hope that continuing from here, by 2030, we would have been able to achieve equal 50:50 appointments for men and women in positions of leadership at the UN and all over the world.”

The outgoing UN chief also stressed his regrets over the continuing impasse over Aleppo.

“Aleppo is a heart-breaking for me,” the UN chief added, further regretting the impasse at the Security Council fueled by the five Permanent Members, over Syria”.

“The carnage in Syria remains a gaping hole in the global conscience.

“Aleppo is now a synonym for hell.

“As I told the Security Council three days ago, we have collectively failed the people of Syria.

“Peace will only prevail when it is accompanied by compassion, justice and accountability for the abominable crimes we have seen.”

He added that he was closely following the deteriorating situation in South Sudan.

“This week marks the third anniversary of the fighting. The country’s leaders have betrayed their people’s trust, and have squandered a peace agreement. Tens of thousands lie dead,” he regretted.

He also regretted that Member States had stepped back from their responsibility to protect citizens.

“International community respects countries sovereignty but when governments are not willing or able to protect people’s lives and people’s lives are at risk, the international community has to respond.”

Ban assumed office as UN scribe on Jan. 1, 2007 and bows out of office on Dec. 31, 2016.

Guterres, who will succeed Ban, will assume office on January 1, 2017, for the next five years.