Ban 'inspired' by Confucius

Ancient Chinese wisdom could help the United Nations to combat contemporary challenges, its Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said yesterday.

"I have been quite influenced by Confucius' teachings and wisdom, and have tried to introduce such Asian culture into the United Nations," Ban said during a speech at Beijing's China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU).

"Of course I don't expect all UN staff to learn from me. If they find my working style and leadership acceptable and agreeable, they can follow. If not, they don't have to," he said.