The Entrepreneurial School® in Innsbruck honors the 8th Secretary General of the United Nations HE Ban Ki-moon in recognition of his achievements for the MCI, his committed fight for freedom and democracy, the rule of law, good governance and the fight against poverty and his exemplary commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the world.
The MCI particularly recognizes the diverse contributions made by SE Ban Ki-moon to the Entrepreneurial School® in the context of Distinguished Guest Lectures, guest embassies as part of sponsorships, in the creation of scholarships for young students from all over the world, an annual summer school for “Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development” and his long-standing friendship. “These create valuable impulses for young people, open doors, connect people and institutions and support academic exchange, which benefits our university, our students, researchers and teachers, alumni and stakeholders.”acknowledged MCI Rector Andreas Altmann As part of his introduction, the achievements of MCI Honorary Professor Ban Ki-moon.
The touching laudatory speech was given by former EU Ambassador Michael Reiterer held, which, among Ban Ki-moon’s many achievements, included the development and anchoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the breakthrough at the climate conference in Paris (“no Planet B”), the establishment of the Ban Ki-moon Center for Global Citizens in Vienna for the development of global change makers and the promotion of women. “In this sense, I see the MCI honorary professorship as an invitation and encouragement for you, esteemed Professor Ban, to continue your work as a mentor, sponsor and advisor and to pass on your valuable experiences. Thank you for coming to Salzburg today. Rector Altmann and I hope to be able to welcome you personally to Innsbruck in the not too distant future!”
Ban Ki-moon In the future, he would only like to be addressed as “Professor BAN” or “Professor Ban Ki-moon”, as he humorously stated in his acceptance speech: “As an ambassador and UN Secretary General, you are addressed as ‘Ambassador’, ‘Secretary General’ or ‘Excellence’. However, I haven’t been any of these for a long time. With ‘Professor’ I now have a suitable title again, which I’m particularly pleased about. I have been awarded numerous honorary doctorates in my career, but never a professorship. I would like to thank the renowned MCI, known for its academic excellence, to which I have been associated for a long time, for the long-standing, wonderful collaboration and honorable award!”
Before his appointment as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Career diplomat at the South Korean Foreign Ministry and the United Nations. As the 8th UNSG, Ban Ki-moon was tasked with mobilizing world leaders on a range of new global challenges, from climate change and economic development to combating pandemics and increasing pressures on food, energy and water. He led the effort for the groundbreaking Paris Climate Agreement, and under his leadership the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030 emerged.
Ban Ki-moon is currently co-president of the Ban Ki-moon Center for Global Citizens (BKMC) in Vienna, whose goal is to develop young people into responsible global citizens in line with the SDGs. In addition, he currently holds more than 20 positions, including the presidency and chair of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), as well as the chair of the Global Commission on Adaptation, the Ethics Commission of the International Olympic Committee and the BOAO Forum in Asia. The Ban Ki-moon Center for Global Citizens in Vienna is tasked with inspiring leaders’ implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement and empowering young decision-makers.
The MCI honorary professorship was awarded in the magnificent Max Reinhardt Library of the beautiful Leopoldskron Castle in Salzburg. The illustrious guests included high-ranking decision-makers from business, science, politics and society, including in particular Prof. Heinz Fischerformer Federal President of the Republic of Austria, former EU Commissioner Prof. Dr. Franz Fischlerthe Korean ambassador Him Sangwookthe President of the Salzburg Global Seminar Ambassador (ret.). Martin Weissthe director of the Ban Ki-moon Center Vienna Monika FroehlerAmbassador Gregor Kössler from the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Senator hc Dr. Martin Steinmeyer from the German Friends of the Universities in Innsbruck, former rector Martin Weichbold and rector Bernhard Fügenschuh from the University of Salzburg, Spar supervisory board chairman Gerhard DrexelIV Salzburg Managing Director Irene Schulte u.v.a.m.
The delegation from the Entrepreneurial University® consisted of MCI Rector Prof. Andreas Altmann from the deputy Chairman of the university college Prof. Claudia Mössenlechnerthe IT boss and CIO of MCI Prof. Peter Mirskithe MCI research director Prof. Martin Pilleithe head of the Ulysseus European University Alliance at MCI Prof. Siegfried Walchthe head of the MCI Center for Sustainability & Impact Prof. Regina Obexerthe director of MCI Alumni & Friends Bettina Stichauner with her employee Lara Knoflach and the chairman of the ÖH MCI Julian Pfurtscheller and the ÖH MCI foreign representative Madalina Condrea.
The large number of guests were welcomed by MCI Rector Andreas Altmann received and welcomed. After introductory words from SE Martin WeissPresident of the Salzburg Global Seminar, paid tribute to SE Michael Reitererformer ambassador of the European Union to South Korea, Japan and Bern and long-time friend of HE Ban Ki-moon, the honoree in his laudatory speech. The ceremony was accompanied wonderfully musically by the world-renowned South Korean flautist Jasmine Choi.