A multisource video news service that highlights nuances in reporting from media outlets around the world.

“I’m much more vocal and loud than I might have been perceived by international communities.”
(BBC)

Ban Ki-moon, the name might not ring a bell. In fact, as the United Nations secretary-general, media and international communities refer to him as “low-profile” or quiet. The South Korean is halfway through his 5-year term, and some question his leadership style.

Our research shows recent reports have focused on Ban’s trip to Myanmar. There, the nation’s ruling junta rejected the U.N. diplomat’s request of meeting Myanmar’s long detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Wall Street Journal’s recent article titled “The U.N.’s ‘Invisible Man’” talks about Ban’s public perception after his Burma visit.

The article states that the U.N. secretary-general “is struggling to prove himself on the world stage.”

A New York Times journalist takes a difference approach, and questions how distant the diplomat might be from the reality of Myanmar.

“…an entire entourage is with him from one point to the next in speeding motorcades, the trip just lasted two days, I counted nine motorcades, you can’t exactly ask the locals what their lives are like when you’re hurtling pass them 80 miles an hour.”

However, an opinion piece in Thailand’s Bangkok Post has a different perspective about Ban’s perception.

“Although he seems to have left the country empty-handed…his score card is not as bad as those who want to write his trip off as a major mistake, without looking at what he may have achieved… What is really important, as Aung San Suu Kyi has repeatedly said, is the start of genuine dialogue with the military regime.”

Ban defended his leadership style during an interview with BBC’s Charlie Rose.

“I have largely been known as low profile, but this quiet diplomacy is just part of my diplomatic skills, diplomatic styles; I have been using both soft-spoken and quiet diplomacy, at the same time, whenever it was necessary, I’ve been speaking loudly.”

The Korea Herald published a commentary by Chris William on his personal encounter with the U.N. secretary-general.

“Even from a brief exchange, he effused intelligent integrity and constantly exemplified his own wonderful strategy for addressing world problems, “principled pragmatism.”

Does Ban Ki-moon have the charisma to be a successful U.N. secretary-general? Or do you think his low-key approach could render him ineffective?

www1