Ban Ki-moon, 81, joined The Elders in 2017 and served as the group’s Deputy Chair from 2018-2025. He served as United Nations Secretary-General from 2007-2016, helping to deliver the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals. As Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon was a strong supporter of gender equality and women’s rights, and created UN Women as a UN agency in 2010.

As an Elder, Ban Ki-moon played an important role in promoting the group’s work on conflict resolution, undertaking visits to Israel/Palestine, Ukraine and Myanmar. He was also a strong advocate for climate action and nuclear disarmament. Ban Ki-moon met many world leaders in his Elders’ role including President Xi Jinping of China, President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Volodymr Zelenskyy of Ukraine.

The Elders pay tribute to their friend’s significant legacy of promoting multilateral cooperation, peace and sustainable development at a global level over many decades. They look forward to continuing to benefit from his wisdom as an Elder Emeritus.

"The Elders and the United Nations share the same values of justice, solidarity and a determination to fight for peace and human rights." - Ban Ki-moon