Former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke exclusively to WION on a range of issues.
In an exclusive interview with WION, former United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon spoke about how the Korean war shaped him, the high points of his tenure as Secretary General, and also his thoughts on the US pulling out of the Paris climate accord. Saying he was deeply disappointed and concerned about US President Donald Trump's decision, he called the move "short-sighted, misguided and not based on any scientific evidence or economic assessment." However, he also expressed hope in India and PM Narendra Modi taking the lead in making sure the Paris Agreement is fully implemented. Ban Ki-moon also spoke about reform in the Security Council and whether the UN has failed the people of Syria. Here are some highlights from the interview:
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Modi has not only been popular in his own country but he has also been spearheading a campaign to save Planet Earth and human beings from environmental degradation by initiating many important domestic and global initiatives. He spearheaded what we call the International Solar Alliance, where 122 countries are participating. It is hugely ambitious and they are now making sure that their greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced through their nationally targeted, determined contribution reducing at least to 33-35%, against the level of 2005. I hope, despite what is happening now in some parts of the world, particularly United States, the Indian government and PM Modi will really lead the global campaign to make sure that the Paris Agreement is fully implemented.
On the UN's decision making process
I would say there are some weaknesses, but the decision making process is not up to the standard or up to what we see in the changing world.
Increased isolationism in the world (Trump’s America, Brexit)
We are living in a very small world where we are all members of a small global family. I am deeply concerned about these kinds of shortsighted national perspectives. Instead of building bridges, erecting walls against other people is totally unacceptable in the 21st century. I am deeply concerned about this nationalism, isolationism and just trying to protect your own people.
Watch the full interview here:
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