3 January 2012: Marking the start of his second term as UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon gave an interview with the UN News Centre and UN Radio in which he highlighted the power of partnerships to respond to climate change, poverty and other challenges.

Partnerships among governments, business communities, civil organizations and philanthropists can accomplish what seems impossible, he said, highlighting the five priorities for his second term: promoting sustainable development; preventing natural and man-made crises and disasters; making the world safer and more secure; helping countries and peoples in transition; and encouraging gender empowerment.

He noted the connections between many of these challenges, climate change and energy shortages. He also noted that the UN must be made more modern, efficient, transparent and accountable in order to adapt to current challenges. [UN Press Release] [ISDR Press Release]