潘基文结束任期告别联合国

With Friday being the final working day of the year at UN headquarters, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has made the rounds, saying goodbye to staff, UN delegates and the media.

Addressing UN staff, Ban Ki-moon says it's been his honor to work with them.

"I have only just two words: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for your hard work, thank you for your commitment, thank you for your leadership for humanity. You have been working day in and day out, and I thank you all. That really has motivated me."

Ban Ki-moon says he worked for the past 10 years under the principles of focus, perseverance, devotion to people, and a desire to safeguard rights and dignity for those who are left behind.

"During last ten years, I have been working as voice of voiceless people, defender of the defenseless people. But you have to continue. It has been a privilege to serve the world people, and it has been honored to serve with all our partners, including member states, civil society and many more. "

In his last act as UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon will help usher in 2017 by pushing the Waterford crystal button that starts the Times Square New Year's Eve countdown clock, joking that he feels like Cinderella since everything would change for him upon the midnight bell.

Ban Ki-moon said in his farewell speech that he will always keep the United Nations close to his heart.

"Dear partners and friends, I may not be Secretary General for much longer, but I will always be proud to carry the title of global citizen, I will be your honorary ambassador, I will always be the child of the United Nations, and my heart will always be with you and with the United Nations."

In passing the torch to the incoming UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Ban Ki-moon suggests to all that there is still a lot to be hope for.

"Our work faces many challenges, but never forget, this is also an era of great opportunities. Keep making the most of it."

For CRI, this is Qian Shanming from UN Headquarters in New York.