Virtual world of international diplomacy has no formal ambassadors, but we want to know your view. The UN Security Council has unanimously endorsed Ban’s reelection. However, for the job of the Globe’s highest-ranking executive, there is very little debate and certainly no democratic vote of the masses. Democratic Process? The decision is largely discussed and reached behind closed doors within the 15 member UN Security Council. The Permanent 5 – US, UK, France, Russia and China - can effectively exercise a veto. The General Assembly which incorporates all 193 member states of the United Nations then has only the option to either accept or reject the UN Security Council’s recommendation. There is no opportunity for another option. The Globe’s citizens have no vote, and overwhelmingly are not consulted by their governments regarding choice of UN Secretary General. So, this is your opportunity to voice your opinion. You may be surprised by how few voices that are willing to deliver the effort to be heard can substantively impact decisions on issues and personalities. They may even be able to set into motion a change in methodology on how decisions and elections are decided. Not “World government” but Fundamental Life, Death and Earth at Stake: We are not at a “world government,” at least not yet. Nonetheless, the leadership, input and execution delivered by the UN Secretary General has significant if not always decisive consequences. · Will millions go hungry for another week and thousands starve? · Will the world unite to battle environmental scourge, or abuse nature to maximum independent exploitation? · Will diseases be allowed to spread across borders, or can we control and ultimately eradicate them through coordinated action? · Can working conditions be universally improved and both employment and productivity be enhanced? · Will it be a good war or a bad peace? Such decisions are never as straightforward and leadership in vision, principle, correct information and action is critical. So, exercise your voice now to help in the development of a more transparent, merit worthy, and democratic process as much as in the actual election of a new Secretary General or reelection of Ban Ki-moon . Who is Ban Ki-moon – Evangelical Christian? As for Ban Ki-moon, I will offer some of my own insight in this article and more over the next few days/weeks. I was not initially enthused or impressed by his selection almost 5 years earlier. He appeared to be more bureaucrat than leader. He was alleged to have already firmly generated positions, purportedly in significant part shaped by his “evangelical Christian” religious orientation. I’m not certain of how much the original perceptions have proven wrong or how much Ban Ki-moon has changed or more accurately grown to the task. Stereotypes regarding Asian personalities probably influenced the discussion and perceptions. Ban and his wife are of strong Christian belief; however, the Secretary General has evidenced openness beyond his personal theology on issues as wide ranging as Middle East politics to the stigmatization of AIDS. Sense of Humor? Even on the level of presentation, Ban Ki-moon has exhibited an unexpected sense of humor. It could of course also be good writers and handlers, but his delivery can be judged on its own and positively. He is inclined toward humility and to reach out to all that approach him. Again, it may be largely a veneer, but he makes the effort to project the common touch rather than elitism as part of the fashion, even if accessory of the job. Secretary General Under Influence of P-5? The biggest criticism is that he is a player of the Permanent 5, particularly the US. However, all Secretary Generals have been dependent to and perhaps obliged to one or more of the P-5. Perhaps as a Secretary General not eligible for a 3rd term and no longer concerned about another reelection, Ban Ki-moon will be able to exhibit even more independence and commitment to reform. Nonetheless, any effort to realign power within the United Nations will be tempered by the reality of whose money, whose peacekeepers, and whose bombs. Again, be the Ambassador for the Virtual Globe, by nature, the most democratic and open. Let us know your views. Related Reports - ---"UN Security Council Recommends Reappointment of UN Security General" - Re diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/security-council-recommends-re-appointment-of-un-secretary-general-by-ambassador-mo/29759 ---"Reelecting Ban Ki-moon" - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/re-electing-ban-ki-moon/27317 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook - Become a Fan - "Diplomatically Incorrect" Twitter - Follow - DiplomaticallyX