UN pays tribute to Ban Ki-moon's 'never-tiring service to humanity'

The General Assembly paid a tribute to outgoing United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his "never-tiring service to humanity" over the past decade, while also swearing in his successor Antonio Guterres, who will assume his duties on January 1, 2017.

"Over the last ten years, Secretary-General Ban has led the United Nations with unwavering principles for the good, with dedicated professionalism, and with never-tiring service to humanity," said General Assembly President Peter Thomson, following the adoption of a resolution by which the 193-member body acknowledged Ban's exceptional contribution to the work of the UN, and noteworthy achievements.

"Whether it was shifting international dynamics, a rebalancing of economic influence, rapid technological advances, or the rising interconnectivity and mobility of people, Secretary-General Ban was always in the vanguard," he added.

Among the long list of his accomplishments, Thomson cited three in particular, the Secretary-General's unceasing efforts on the issue of climate change, which ultimately led to the adoption and entry into force of the Paris Agreement; his vision and determination to realize a more just, prosperous and secure world through the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and his support for gender equality, including the establishment of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, known as UN Women.

Earlier, by acclamation the Assembly adopted a resolution of tribute to Ban's, "placing on special record his many bold initiatives - political, diplomatic and organizational and his exceptional contribution to the work of the Organization, and his noteworthy achievements in improving people's lives and protecting our planet for future generations."

In response, Ban said, "Serving as Secretary-General of this great Organization, has been a great privilege for me of a lifetime."

Recalling his childhood, he said, "After the Korean War, UN aid fed us. UN textbooks taught us. UN global solidarity showed us we were not alone. For me, the power of the United Nations was never abstract or academic."

He said he has seen the power of international cooperation in taking on most pressing challenges and has seen the UN open its doors wider than ever to civil society and many partners to help transform the world.

Ban said his 10-year tenure was filled with challenges, including the worst financial collapse since the Great Depression, eruptions of conflict and uprisings for freedom and record numbers of people fleeing war, persecution and poverty.

"Day by day, brick by brick, we built stronger foundations for peace and progress," he stressed, but added that still, so many problems have proven intractable - none more than the bloodshed in Syria and the upheaval it spawned.

"I have maintained a focus on people's dignity and rights - the pillars of our common humanity. I have sought to stand up for the vulnerable and those left behind today. And I have tried to be sure that we are doing all we can so that future generations can live in peace," Ban said.

"Even as I prepare to leave, my heart will stay as it has since I was a child - right here with the United Nations," he added.

The Assembly rose in prolonged applause at the end of his speech.