Kennedy School Alumnus Named New UN. Secretary General

By Sharon Alexandra, Alumni Programs

http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/ksgnews/Features/news/101106_bankimoon.htm  

October 13, 2006 — Ban Ki-Moon, a 1984 graduate of the Kennedy School’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program and an Edward S. Mason Fellow, has been selected to become the new Secretary General of the United Nations. His nomination was approved on Friday by the U.N.’s General Assembly. 

During the past two-and-a-half years, Ban has served as Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea, and prior to that he served as National Security Advisor to two different presidents. 

(L-R) Ashton Carter, Ban Ki-Moon, Graham Allison and Joseph Nye at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum last September discussing "North Korea: Beyond the Six-Party Talks." 

“I worked closely with Ban Ki-Moon for years, including in preparation for the first visit of a presidential envoy to North Korea,” explained Ashton Carter, professor of science and international affairs and a former assistant secretary of defense. “He is wise, subtle, and knows the United States well. If anyone can make the United Nations all it can and should be, it’s Ban.” 

Responding to those concerned that his soft-spoken manner and understated leadership style could be less than ideal in leading an organization as complex as the U.N., Ban told the New York Times that he is very decisive, explaining that “I know there are some people who are flamboyant and make lots of noise; but I have my own kind of charisma.” 

Describing Ban as “a great diplomat, patient, persevering, and determined,” Joseph S. Nye, university distinguished service professor and former assistant secretary of defense, commented, “His quiet style is combined with a good analytic mind.” 

Graham Allison, director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and a former dean of the Kennedy School described Ban as “an outstanding student…an outstanding Foreign Minister; and I am confident he will be an outstanding Secretary General.”  

Ban told the Times that he has made several trips to the developing world and forged relationships in those countries, as well. Herman (Dutch) Leonard, professor of public management at the Kennedy School affirms Ban’s assertion.  

“He is deeply grounded in several cultures. And his KSG training should prepare him well for understanding the role of the U.S. in the U.N. and the relationship of the U.S. to the U.N. – both of which are important for the U.S., for the U.N., and for the world,” Leonard said. 

Ban most recently visited the Kennedy School in September 2005 to participate in a Forum panel discussion on the Six-Party Talks on North Korea. Reflecting on his KSG experience before a packed audience, he said, “I can say with certainty that my Harvard experience has served me well throughout my career. The excellence of the ideas and the insights offered by many distinguished prominent scholars who have graced this campus have really enriched us all.”  

Ban will succeed Kofi Annan as U.N. Secretary General on January 1, 2007.

【潘基文毕业于韩国首尔国立大学外交学系，在美国哈佛大学著名的肯尼迪政府学院获硕士学位，于20世纪70年代投身外交事业。2004年1月16日开始，潘基文出任韩国外交通商部长官，他精通英语、法语，并且熟悉德语和日语，言谈温和、举止谦逊。】

Kennedy School Celebrates Nobel Laureate Thomas Schelling

By Liz Tempesta

http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/ksgnews/Features/news/100506_schelling.htm

To view this event online, visit the Forum archive-

http://iopforum.harvard.edu:8080/ramgen/fr20061005nobel.rm

Occtober 5, 2006 — Thomas C. Schelling, one of the founding “parents” of the modern-day Kennedy School of Government and winner of the 2005 Nobel Prize in economics, was celebrated for his achievements on Thursday evening at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum.

What was an emotionally charged event began with several panelists who were former colleagues of Schelling. Edith Stokey – a lecturer in public policy and also recognized as instrumental in the creation of the Kennedy School – set the tone of the evening, “usually when we gather here in the Forum we’re coming to listen to an array of experts who debate the issues of the day. Some of us come looking for fireworks, hoping to see a scorched devo or two, but tonight all is different. Tonight we are celebrating.”

Stokey praised the relevance of Schelling’s work and the impact it has had, “He embeds his insight in a familiar context – hockey helmets, thermostats, crowded highways – using the familiar to attract our interest and strengthen our understanding. It is a powerful teaching model.”

Panelist, Richard Zeckhauser – professor of political economy at the Kennedy School – explains what Tom Schelling’s career represents, which is “Tom Schelling learning from the real world and vice versa, mainly the world has learned from Tom Schelling.”

Schelling is internationally renowned for his work on game theory, specifically in regards to the dangers of nuclear war. “He worked tirelessly – as scholar, major government advisor, and frequent international participant – from the 1950s through today to make nuclear war less possible,” Zeckhauser said.

The event culminated with Schelling’s description of what is was like being awarded the Nobel Prize. “It made so many of my friends so very happy.…It turned out to be the most exhilarating part of it all.”

Stokey described the elation that swept the Kennedy School community when the award was announced last October. “It was more than excitement...it was a universal recognition of what you have contributed to this school and a heartfelt demonstration of our deep felt affection for you.”

Thomas Schelling and Edith Stokey, two individuals instrumental in the creation of the Kennedy School.

In 2004, the Kennedy School created an award in Schelling’s name. The Thomas C. Schelling Award is bestowed annually to an individual whose remarkable intellectual work has had a transformative impact on public policy.

Dean David Ellwood remarked on Schelling’s impact as a teacher, “he takes very simple ideas or concepts, or simple stories and converts them into very big and powerful ideas.”

Thomas Schelling returns to the Kennedy School next fall to deliver the Edward L. Godkin lecture.

Photos: Martha Stewart

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