[2025-06-09] Ban Ki-moon calls for U.N.-centered multilateralism at ‘The Quiet Diplomat’ screening

SEOUL, June 19 (Yonhap) — Former United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon expressed concerns over the current global situation and emphasized the global agency’s crucial role in consolidating multilateral efforts to deescalate tensions.

“The current global situation is very complicated and dangerous,” he said at a press conference in Seoul following the press screening of “The Quiet Diplomat,” an American documentary film on his life.

“It’s been more than three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, which resulted in so many civilian casualties,” he said. “The same applies to Gaza, and Israel’s recent attack on Iran has also raised concerns over the possibility of the Middle East turning into a wider war zone,” he added.

Former U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon speaks about “The Quiet Diplomat” during a press conference in Seoul on June 19, 2025. (Yonhap)

He continued that the traditional global order is undergoing reorganization due to “Trumpism,” and that cooperation and understanding among democratic nations have been weakening.

“Having said that, we have to closely cooperate with each other to reaffirm and realize the three important pillars pursued by the U.N.: world peace, economic development and human rights.”

“It is my sincerest wish to restore U.N.-centered multilateralism,” he said.

Directed by Charles Lyons, “The Quiet Diplomat” features the life and legacy of former U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. The film had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival last year and has since been screened around the world.

Ban expressed hope that the movie will help people better understand the organization and the “dedication and sacrifice” of its workers.

The film is expected to be released in Korea next month.

Former U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon speaks during a press conference for “The Quiet Diplomat” in Seoul on June 19, 2025. (Yonhap)

Souce: Yonhap

Link: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250619006100315