Ban Ki-moon

Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, thrived with South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a diplomat. His career has seen him witness first hand some of the most pinnacle moments of the 20th and 21st century, through the lens of a political authority. Due to such an experience, he has nurtured a comprehensive understanding of communication, negotiating and remaining calm under pressure, skills that Ban shares with captivated audiences.

When booked for events, Ban discusses with his audience - both political, corporate and the general public - his personal drive to better the world we live in to inspire others to do the same. With an infectious passion for good causes, Ban embodies care, commitment and compassion. As the Foreign Minister of South Korea, he came face to face with some of the most devastating crises in modern history, including the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. As a speaker, Ban discusses such experiences with eloquence and sensitivity.

As an advocate for a more eco-friendly way of living, Ban projected his voice at the 2015 Paris Climate Accord, a testament to Ban's dedication to protecting our planet. Upon joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1970, he set about changing the world for the better, starting with his role as Vice-Consul in India. In 2017, Ban was elected Chair of the International Olympic Committee's Ethics Commission, a testament to his global influence. Thriving in political positions, Ban was quickly promoted to Vice Chairman of the South-North Joint Nuclear Control Commission, reflecting his international respect. Available for events worldwide, Ban's political career has taken him around the world, working in political positions across a broad range of countries. His after dinner speeches and political appearances are infused with diverse anecdotes, ensuring that audiences are hooked from the moment Ban starts to speak.

Since he was a young boy, Ban had a great interest in politics, which later led him to pursue a degree in International Relations from the Seoul National University. He later studied a Master's in Public Administration at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. His international organisation, The Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, put his education into practice, uniting the globe through the notion of global citizenship. An experienced peacekeeper, through his role as Secretary-General of the United Nations for nearly a decade, Ban's speeches teach audiences the power of communication. In celebration of his world-changing career, Ban has been awarded honorary degrees from such universities as the University of Cambridge and the University of Washington.

As a politician, his pioneering work has improved the everyday lives of women, LGBT+ and all those in need, as well as our planet, through his fight against climate change. Ban was even named 32nd on the 2013 Forbes list of The World's Most Powerful People and the 3rd Most Powerful South Korean in 2013. Additional accolades include one of the 2016 Top 100 Global Thinkers due to his role making the Paris Agreement.