Latest news with #BanKi-moon
![[Contribution] Kenya honors Ban Ki-moon: A beacon of environmental diplomacy, global leadership](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F07%2F22%2Fnews-p.v1.20250718.af04c21d56f94915bbe8fe13537e4dc7_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[Contribution] Kenya honors Ban Ki-moon: A beacon of environmental diplomacy, global leadership](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fkoreaherald.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Korea Herald
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
[Contribution] Kenya honors Ban Ki-moon: A beacon of environmental diplomacy, global leadership
At a historic ceremony at the State House in Nairobi on July 8, 2025, Kenya awarded its highest civilian honor, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart, to the 8th United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. The event highlighted Kenya's vital role in promoting sustainability and demonstrated the enduring influence of Ban's advocacy for climate action. The award, presented to him in Nairobi, recognized not only his extensive diplomatic achievements but also his profound and ongoing commitment to advancing multilateral cooperation in the fight against climate change. To put this into perspective, during his tenure at the United Nations, he championed landmark agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord. His relentless efforts to unite nations in pursuit of a greener, fairer world have left an indelible mark on global policy and inspired a new generation of leaders. Kenya's decision to recognize Ban's contributions serves as a testament to the country's leadership in environmental matters, reinforcing its reputation as a beacon of hope and innovation on the African continent. President William Ruto, in his tribute, described Ban as 'a bridge-builder and a champion of the world's most vulnerable,' praising his 'tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication to building a peaceful, just and sustainable world.' President Ruto noted that Ban's tenure as the eighth secretary-general of the United Nations was characterised by significant and transformative initiatives. His leadership played a crucial role in the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the establishment of UN Women to promote gender equality, and the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals, which collectively aimed to address some of the most pressing global challenges. In his acceptance speech, Ban expressed deep gratitude, saying, 'It is humbling for me to receive such recognition in this beautiful country. Kenya means so much to me professionally and personally,' he said, noting that his daughter met her husband in Kenya and that his grandson spent his early years in Nairobi. This intimate and personal connection is not lost on Kenya, which has previously welcomed Ban Ki-moon in both private and official capacities. The award ceremony coincided with the groundbreaking of the dual headquarters of the Global Centre on Adaptation at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi. The GCA is a leading international organization, currently headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, housed in the world's largest floating office, with a focus on accelerating climate adaptation solutions. Its new African base will serve as a regional hub for policy dialogue, research and capacity-building. The establishment of dual headquarters symbolizes a bridge between the Global North and South in tackling climate challenges. The GCA's presence in Nairobi is an affirmation of Kenya's leadership in climate resilience and sustainable development. Ban's post-UN leadership is deeply rooted in climate resilience and sustainable development. As the President and Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute and co-founder of the GCA, he has continued to champion climate adaptation and green growth, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Africa. Kenya's connection with these two organizations is no coincidence. It shows a shared vision: that climate action should be inclusive, locally led and globally supported. When Ban was awarded in Nairobi, the only city in the global South hosting the United Nations headquarters, the United Nations Environment Program, which also houses the United Nations Office at Nairobi, offers a unique symbol of multilateral diplomacy that highlights Ban's career as a diplomat. It is worth noting that President William Ruto presented the award, as he is a leading voice in global climate leadership, serving as the chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change. Kenya's decision to honor Ban is not only symbolic but also a strategic affirmation of the country's dedication to environmental diplomacy. Ban's remarks during the ceremony captured the urgency and hope that characterize the climate movement: 'Climate change is the greatest collective challenge we face as a human family. But it is also our greatest opportunity for common progress towards a sustainable future.' He added, 'The longer we delay, the more we will pay.' These words resonate deeply in Kenya, where communities are already grappling with the effects of droughts, floods and biodiversity loss. Yet, through innovation, policy reform and international cooperation, Kenya is forging a path forward that prioritizes people, the planet and prosperity. The conferment of the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart on Ban is more than a ceremonial gesture. It is a declaration of Kenya's values: solidarity, sustainability and global citizenship. It honors a legacy of leadership that has shaped the world and signals Kenya's readiness to lead in the next chapter of international climate action. As Ban eloquently stated, "That this century is Africa's century and Kenya is not just a leader in Africa, it is a global example of how nations can rise to meet the challenges of our time with courage, innovation and unity.' In celebrating Ban, Kenya celebrates the power of diplomacy, the promise of green growth and the potential of a continent poised to shape the future. sanjaykumar@
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The anatomy of decline: Unemployment and South Africa's structural crisis
Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General, reminds us that 'addressing unemployment is not just an economic imperative, it is a moral and social one that defines the future of peace and progress Image: AFP In 1994, South Africa emerged from apartheid with global goodwill, democratic legitimacy and the promise of shared prosperity. Yet three decades later, that promise remains unfulfilled. With an overall unemployment rate of 31.9% and youth unemployment at 59.6% (Q4 2024, Stats SA), the country faces a structural crisis that is eroding its economic base and social cohesion. This is not an isolated issue but a national reckoning that follows a pattern common to both collapsing companies and declining states. Jim Collins, in How the Mighty Fall, outlines five stages of institutional decline: hubris, undisciplined growth, denial of risk, superficial solutions and eventual stagnation. These stages offer a sobering framework for understanding South Africa's current position. 'Denial is the most dangerous stage of decline,' Collins warns, 'because it blinds leaders to reality.' Stage 1: Hubris Born of Triumph Between 2000 and 2008, South Africa enjoyed average GDP growth of 3.5%, buoyed by favourable commodity cycles and post-apartheid optimism. The country asserted its geopolitical presence, joined BRICS and positioned itself as a regional hub. But early success bred complacency. Rather than address long-standing structural inequalities or invest in productive capacity, economic momentum gave way to inertia. The Gini coefficient remained high at 0.67 while labour market rigidities discouraged job creation. State-owned enterprises, particularly Eskom, were allowed to expand without accountability. By 2024, public bailouts for Eskom had surpassed R500 billion. Argentina's early 20th-century trajectory offers a striking parallel: a commodity-rich economy that ascended rapidly only to decline due to internal mismanagement and premature confidence in global status. South Africa's early economic positioning masked unresolved domestic vulnerabilities. While attention turned outward to summits and regional diplomacy, the foundations beneath were quietly eroding. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Stage 2: The Undisciplined Pursuit of More South Africa's expansion of redistributive programmes, especially through social grants and state employment schemes, was not matched by corresponding economic productivity. The social grant system, projected to cost R259.3 billion by 2026, has been essential for poverty relief but increasingly burdens fiscal sustainability. Meanwhile, core infrastructure suffered. Transnet's freight efficiency declined sharply and energy supply instability continued to constrain investment. The World Bank reports average GDP growth of just 0.7% between 2014 and 2024. Yet state-led expansion persisted, often detached from output and institutional readiness. This pursuit of scale without returns mirrors firms that chase growth for its own sake. Public employment expansion - while well intentioned - has in some cases reinforced dependency. The logic that more 'boots on the ground' equals delivery has led to overstaffing, rising wage costs and limited institutional agility. Government visibility has been confused with public value. Climate risks have compounded the challenge. Extended droughts have reduced employment in agriculture and mining, weakening resilience in rural provinces. Without adaptation strategies, the employment impacts of environmental shocks will only intensify. Stage 3: Denial of Risk and Erosion of Trust Despite mounting evidence of institutional and economic strain, reforms have lagged. The Zondo Commission exposed over R500 billion in procurement-related losses, yet implementation remains slow. Labour market mismatches have worsened, with 42% of jobless individuals now classified as discouraged workers - those who have ceased to seek employment entirely. Total Factor Productivity has declined for over 15 years according to the International Monetary Fund, yet public discourse often defaults to rebranding or extending existing models. Persistent mismatches between the education system and labour market needs further entrench youth unemployment. Over a million students are enrolled in post-secondary institutions annually, yet far fewer graduate with skills aligned to economic opportunity. Technical and vocational education remains underfunded despite strong global evidence of its employment in government has declined. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, only 22% of South Africans express trust in government compared to 62% in business. Many young people are now cycling through training schemes with no connection to employment. For them, the crisis is not theoretical - it is lived daily through delayed adulthood and social alienation. Stage 4: Superficial Solutions and Fiscal Pressure Short-term relief measures have become the norm. The Social Relief of Distress Grant and other temporary interventions offer necessary support but are not substitutes for structural employment generation. Public debt now stands at over 74% of GDP, edging towards unsustainable territory. The 2024 Budget Review confirmsdebt service costs are rising faster than allocations to education and infrastructure. Some initiatives under Operation Vulindlela and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan show intent but require stronger execution and sustained adds further pressure. McKinsey estimates that automation could displace one in four jobs in South Africa by 2030, especially among low-skilled workers. Without a reskilling strategy, digital transformation may reinforce unemployment rather than resolve it. The African Development Bank warns that the continent adds 10 million job seekers to the labour force annually but creates only 3 million jobs. Grants and temporary schemes cannot bridge this gap. They must be paired with pathways into the formal economy - particularly for youth, women and small private sector must also adapt. Hiring practices, investment in entry-level talent and support for smallenterprises are necessary components of a functioning labour market. Stage 5: Recovery or Regression? South Africa remains at a critical juncture. Continued economic stagnation if unaddressed could normalise exclusion and dampen democratic participation. But recovery is not out of reach. Post-crisis recoveries in South Korea and post-war Germany show what is possible when discipline, targeted investment and reform align. In South Africa, green shoots exist. TymeBank has expanded financial inclusion through low-cost digital banking. Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator has supported over a million workseekers using demand-driven matching. AfCFTA implementation offers a strategic lever. If logistics and regulatory reform accompany it, the agreement could boost Africa's income by $450 billion (R7.9 trillion) by 2035. For South Africa, increased participation in regional manufacturing and agri-processing could transform employment patterns - particularly in secondary cities andrural districts. The informal economy, where most African employment resides, cannot be ignored. It requires accessible microfinance, simplified registration and recognition as a legitimate growth engine. Development cannot occur if the majority of economic activity is treated as marginal. None of this is possible without confronting inefficiencies in how public funds are deployed. While social grants and public employment programmes are essential lifelines for vulnerable populations, they have not translated into economic inclusion. Expanding headcounts in state departments is sometimes used as a proxy forperformance, yet without addressing institutional inefficiencies, this risks reinforcing dependency. Employment must become the central metric of public accountability. Conclusion: The Stakes and the Path Forward Failing to address unemployment is not a challenge that can be deferred without consequence. Beyond economic metrics lie the very fabric of social stability, public trust and democratic legitimacy. South Africa's experience offers a warning to all emerging and developing economies: the cost of delay is measured not only in GDP but in fractured communities and lost futures. Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General, reminds us that 'addressing unemployment is not just an economic imperative, it is a moral and social one that defines the future of peace and progress.' South Africa is not alone. Across emerging economies, unemployment, fiscal strain and youth disillusionment are converging into systemic risk. The lessons embedded in this crisis - about political will, economic realism and institutional reform - are applicable far beyond one nation's borders. The foundations for recovery exist but require clear-eyed leadership and a willingness to prioritise structural reform over symbolic intervention. South Africa's story will be determined not by its past but by how decisivelyit addresses the challenges of today. Nomvula Zeldah Mabuza is a Risk Governance and Compliance Specialist with extensive experience in strategic risk and industrial operations. She holds a Diploma in Business Management (Accounting) from Brunel University, UK, and is an MBA candidate at Henley Business School, South Africa. Image: Supplied
The Star
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Africa Energy Forum presents a unique opportunity for African collaboration
In the rural village of Gwanda, Zimbabwe, a mother walks several kilometres each day to find firewood so she can cook for her children. She's never had access to reliable electricity, and her story is not unique. Across Africa, 600 million people still live without energy access – a fact that affects every aspect of their lives. The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, summarised Africa's biggest challenge when he said: 'Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that allows the world to thrive'. Without electricity, communities cannot run clinics, power schools, or create jobs – all of which are fundamental to dignity and development. That is why I attended the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town recently, a milestone that marked the first time in the event's 27-year history that it was hosted in South Africa. This year's theme, 'Africa United', could not be more fitting. As the global investment meeting for Africa's power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, it was attended by stakeholders who hold the key to accelerating energy access - African presidents, ministers, policymakers, continental executives, the World Bank, African Development Bank and DFIs. With South Africa chairing the G20 this year, the continent must use the momentum of the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) and the G20 Summit to amplify a cohesive African voice in global energy governance. As geopolitical instability rises, with trade wars and fractured alliances, it's more urgent than ever to ask: Can Africa present a united energy agenda? And can it do so on its terms? To seize this opportunity, Africa must first agree on a set of shared energy priorities. These must include scaling up renewable resources like solar, wind and hydro, where the continent has a competitive advantage, while also affirming the sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear in the energy mix where needed. This is not a contradiction, but a necessity. Industrialised countries built their economies using all available energy sources. Africa must be afforded the same space to grow. Some of the critical arguments at this year's event will be around balancing the need for energy access and economic development with plotting a sustainable energy future that includes an abundance of Africa's renewable energy resources. Favourable terms for the financing of African energy projects will also be another important topic of debate. Although there are hundreds of initiatives to ensure the achievement of universal energy access on the continent, more than half the continent still lacks access to modern energy, which is why African energy stakeholders believe that amid the drive for reducing carbon emissions, Africa should have a sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear as part of its energy mix in line with how developed nations built their economies. What will the US role be in Africa's energy future? The first Power Africa Summit was launched by former US President Barack Obama in June 2013 as a private sector-led initiative with the ambitious goal of doubling electricity access on the continent. Through USAID, 12 US government agencies implemented Power Africa activities by providing financing and technical assistance to support the power sector in 40 African countries. Though different US administrations advised countries on electricity access for years, Power Africa's approach was different in that it took a demand-driven, transactional approach by reviewing actual transactions between private-sector players like investors, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, and with governments and then identified obstacles that were preventing transactions from moving forward. A large reason for the success of Power Africa in the past was the power of diplomacy to level the playing field for U.S. investments in the energy sector. US President Trump and his administration announced that Power Africa would be dismantled, after more than a decade of successful work on the continent. With almost all of Power Africa's programmes listed for termination, the diminishing role of the US in Africa's energy sector opens opportunities for new alliances and greater intra-African collaboration. Energy financing must be favourable The challenge for Africa is that it needs to industrialise and electrify its economy, but at the same time, it needs the finances to do so in a sustainable way. Africa has also been most severely affected by climate change, and so its infrastructure development needs to be climate-resilient. Most African nations don't need an energy transition, but energy accessibility. Many African countries are grappling with rising inflation, which has also impacted the amount of developmental finance available to African nations. But America may want to maintain its presence and footprint in Africa's energy sector, especially as China seeks to play a leading role in the continent's infrastructure development. Despite the challenging global environment, Africa needs its member states and voices to unite with a collective vision to fund Africa's energy revolution with international financing mechanisms that are just. After all, Africa is responsible for less than 3% of the world's carbon emissions and home to massive, unlocked energy potential, while also being home to 1.2 billion youth aged between 15 to 24 years that account for 16% of the global population (according to the UN). Greg Nott is Director Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Africa Energy Forum presents a unique opportunity for African collaboration
In the rural village of Gwanda, Zimbabwe, a mother walks several kilometres each day to find firewood so she can cook for her children. She's never had access to reliable electricity, and her story is not unique. Across Africa, 600 million people still live without energy access – a fact that affects every aspect of their lives. The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, summarised Africa's biggest challenge when he said: 'Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that allows the world to thrive'. Without electricity, communities cannot run clinics, power schools, or create jobs – all of which are fundamental to dignity and development. That is why I attended the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town recently, a milestone that marked the first time in the event's 27-year history that it was hosted in South Africa. This year's theme, 'Africa United', could not be more fitting. As the global investment meeting for Africa's power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, it was attended by stakeholders who hold the key to accelerating energy access - African presidents, ministers, policymakers, continental executives, the World Bank, African Development Bank and DFIs. With South Africa chairing the G20 this year, the continent must use the momentum of the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) and the G20 Summit to amplify a cohesive African voice in global energy governance. As geopolitical instability rises, with trade wars and fractured alliances, it's more urgent than ever to ask: Can Africa present a united energy agenda? And can it do so on its terms? To seize this opportunity, Africa must first agree on a set of shared energy priorities. These must include scaling up renewable resources like solar, wind and hydro, where the continent has a competitive advantage, while also affirming the sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear in the energy mix where needed. This is not a contradiction, but a necessity. Industrialised countries built their economies using all available energy sources. Africa must be afforded the same space to grow. Some of the critical arguments at this year's event will be around balancing the need for energy access and economic development with plotting a sustainable energy future that includes an abundance of Africa's renewable energy resources. Favourable terms for the financing of African energy projects will also be another important topic of debate. Although there are hundreds of initiatives to ensure the achievement of universal energy access on the continent, more than half the continent still lacks access to modern energy, which is why African energy stakeholders believe that amid the drive for reducing carbon emissions, Africa should have a sovereign right to include coal, gas and nuclear as part of its energy mix in line with how developed nations built their economies. What will the US role be in Africa's energy future? The first Power Africa Summit was launched by former US President Barack Obama in June 2013 as a private sector-led initiative with the ambitious goal of doubling electricity access on the continent. Through USAID, 12 US government agencies implemented Power Africa activities by providing financing and technical assistance to support the power sector in 40 African countries. Though different US administrations advised countries on electricity access for years, Power Africa's approach was different in that it took a demand-driven, transactional approach by reviewing actual transactions between private-sector players like investors, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, and with governments and then identified obstacles that were preventing transactions from moving forward. A large reason for the success of Power Africa in the past was the power of diplomacy to level the playing field for U.S. investments in the energy sector. US President Trump and his administration announced that Power Africa would be dismantled, after more than a decade of successful work on the continent. With almost all of Power Africa's programmes listed for termination, the diminishing role of the US in Africa's energy sector opens opportunities for new alliances and greater intra-African collaboration. Energy financing must be favourable The challenge for Africa is that it needs to industrialise and electrify its economy, but at the same time, it needs the finances to do so in a sustainable way. Africa has also been most severely affected by climate change, and so its infrastructure development needs to be climate-resilient. Most African nations don't need an energy transition, but energy accessibility. Many African countries are grappling with rising inflation, which has also impacted the amount of developmental finance available to African nations. But America may want to maintain its presence and footprint in Africa's energy sector, especially as China seeks to play a leading role in the continent's infrastructure development. Despite the challenging global environment, Africa needs its member states and voices to unite with a collective vision to fund Africa's energy revolution with international financing mechanisms that are just. After all, Africa is responsible for less than 3% of the world's carbon emissions and home to massive, unlocked energy potential, while also being home to 1.2 billion youth aged between 15 to 24 years that account for 16% of the global population (according to the UN). Greg Nott is Director Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc
South China Morning Post
21-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
UN needs overhaul to take on today's global challenges, former chief Ban Ki-moon says
A former UN secretary general has called for an overhaul of the United Nations to better confront global challenges as 'some powerful nations' seek to undermine the institution. Ban Ki-moon , who was secretary general of the United Nations from 2007 to 2016, said in Hong Kong on Tuesday that the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza showed the need for a multilateral response. 'The illegal Russian war against Ukraine and the horrific war in Gaza represent one of the most dangerous moments for global security, and challenges to multilateralism, in decades,' Ban told the Fullerton Forum hosted by the University of Hong Kong's Centre on Contemporary China and the World (CCCW). Ban said that various global crises, including these conflicts, pandemics and climate change, 'have shown how we are all interconnected'. 'They also make it clear that we need multilateral responses,' he added, according to the speech published by the CCCW. In his speech, Ban thanked China for its role in implementing the Paris Climate Agreement and for its efforts to combat climate change. Ban, who is now deputy chair of The Elders, a human rights group composed of international statesmen founded by late South African president Nelson Mandela, took direct aim at US President Donald Trump, saying the shift towards unilateralism had been 'bolstered by the advent of Trumpism' in the United States.
