An inspiring story of character and integrity on the world stage.
Jan Eliasson, former UN deputy secretary-general:
This book, which portrays Ban Ki-moon’s experiences and achievements during ten years at the helm of the UN, is a fascinating inside account of multilateral diplomacy at the global level. It takes the readers through a number of conflicts as well as development and human rights challenges at the UN in an insightful, open and succinct way. As deputy secretary-general, I worked closely with Ban on a broad array of issues, ranging from the war in Syria to the negotiations on Sustainable Development Goals and to the initiative Human Rights up Front. In all these issues, his efforts were untiring, persistent and well-timed. It is broadly recognized that he played an historic and decisive role in reaching the Paris climate agreement In December 2015. On a personal level, I highly appreciate his solid and courageous support of the launch of Human Rights up Front, an initiative which symbolizes the first three words of the UN Charter, "We the peoples.” It also reflects Secretary-General Ban’s constant quest for a life in dignity for all.
Joseph S. Nye Jr., former dean of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and author of Do Morals Matter?:
Ban Ki-moon describes a lifetime of service to Korea and to the world as the eighth secretary-general of the United Nations, where he put climate change at the top of his agenda. He provides fascinating details of the diplomacy and politics of what he describes as the ultimate threat to peace and security.
Jeffrey D. Sachs, University Professor at Columbia University, special advisor to Ban Ki-moon, 2007–2015:
Ban Ki-moon offers an incisive account of his history-shaping tenure as UN Secretary-General. With his unswerving commitment to human dignity and the common good, Ban repeatedly used his consummate diplomatic skills, honed over many decades, to overcome obstacles of ignorance, hate, confusion, and self-interest in order to reach major global agreements on sustainable development, climate change, and other momentous challenges. Ban vividly demonstrates the great powers of “personal diplomacy with compassion” to build cooperative global solutions, while he reminds us of the harrowing risks to humanity of narrow-mindedness, abuse of power, militarism, and vast disruptions of economic and technological change.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize:
In his momentous memoirs, Ban Ki-moon leads us through the exciting exchanges, communication, and interaction among world leaders, prominent personalities, citizens, and advocates as they craft a global agenda. This is a must-read for all interested in knowing the workings of the United Nations and its dedicated secretary-general.
Graham Allison, author of Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap?:
Can we not only imagine but actually build a better world? In this book, a farsighted global statesman not only says yes—but also shows us how.
Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland, former UN high commissioner for human rights, and chair of The Elders:
This is a warm, readable account by Ban Ki-moon of his ten-year term as UN secretary-general and of his aim from the beginning to prioritize the climate crisis. At a time of increasing skepticism, his humble humanitarian concern and intense dedication should do much to restore confidence in the core values of the UN.
Tony Blair, former prime minister of the United Kingdom:
Ban Ki-moon has had an extraordinary and inspirational life, not least given the extreme poverty in which he grew up. You admire his ambition, tenacity, and patience in achieving global consensus for the incredibly important Sustainable Development Goals. But you also appreciate the golden thread that weaves its way through this book—his humanity. A true public servant, whose compassion shines throughout.
