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As of 10/20/2009

Monday, 10-26-2009

A Conversation with
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations

Ban Ki-moon, Eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations

The World Affairs Council in association with the University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies presents a conversation with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as he discusses some of the world’s most pressing issues.

As the world counts down to the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, how is the UN leading the process to prepare for a viable climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol? What is the role of the UN in leading human rights and international aid policy? What role can the UN play in mitigating nuclear and overall security threats on a global level?

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has over 37 years of service both in Government and on the global stage. At the time of his election as Secretary-General in 2007, Mr. Ban was his country's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Mr. Ban has long-standing ties with the United Nations, dating back to 1975, when he worked for the Foreign Ministry's United Nations Division. That work expanded over the years, with assignments as First Secretary at the Republic of Korea's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, Director of the United Nations Division at the Ministry's headquarters in Seoul and Ambassador to Vienna, during which time, in 1999, he served as Chairman of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization. In 2001-2002, as Chef de Cabinet during the Republic of Korea's presidency of the General Assembly, he facilitated the prompt adoption of the first resolution of the session, condemning the terrorist attacks of 11 September.

Mr. Ban has also been actively involved in issues relating to inter-Korean relations. In 1992, as Special Adviser to the Foreign Minister, he served as Vice-Chair of the South-North Joint Nuclear Control Commission following the adoption of the historic Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. In September 2005, as Foreign Minister, he played a leading role in bringing about another landmark agreement aimed at promoting peace and stability on the Korean peninsula with the adoption at the six-party talks of the Joint Statement on resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.

The World Affairs Council is a non-partisan, non-profit organization which provides a forum for speakers representing diverse points of view. The opinions expressed by any and all speakers, presenters and/or guests at Council events are those of the speaker alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the World Affairs Council members, staff, Board of Trustees, or Advisory Council.

Ban Ki-moon

Lecture:
Register 9:30 AM
Program 10:30 AM

Lecture:
$10 members
$15 non-members
$10 students

This event is SOLD OUT. If you would like to be added to the wait list, please call the Council at (206) 441-5910. There is NO registration at the door.

Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101