Gender equality and women's empowerment have been a top priority for me from day one as Secretary-General. And I am committed to making sure that the U.N. leads by example.

Ban Ki-moon's quote reflects his strong commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women, which he identified as a top priority during his tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations. By emphasizing that these issues have been important "from day one," he underscores the central role of women's rights in his leadership and the broader goals of the U.N. His dedication to ensuring gender equality demonstrates his belief that the U.N. must not only advocate for these values globally but also model them within its own structure and practices.

The quote also highlights Ban Ki-moon’s stance on the U.N. as a role model for the international community. He expresses his intention to ensure that the United Nations leads by example, meaning that the organization itself should reflect the principles it promotes. This includes creating equal opportunities for women in all areas of the U.N.’s operations and decision-making processes, as well as championing policies that advance the rights of women and girls globally.

Ban Ki-moon's commitment to gender equality was an essential part of his leadership, influencing numerous initiatives aimed at addressing issues like violence against women, equal access to education, and economic empowerment. Under his leadership, the U.N. took significant steps toward advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, with Goal 5 specifically focused on achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls. His work aimed at creating an international framework that not only advocates for women’s rights but also creates actionable policies to realize them.

Ultimately, Ban Ki-moon’s quote conveys his long-standing dedication to creating a more equitable world for women, both within the United Nations and globally. His leadership in this area highlights the U.N.’s responsibility to not just talk about gender equality but to actively demonstrate it, setting an example for the entire international community.