As we reflect on the work of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation in 2022 and 2023, it gives me great pleasure to share with you the many milestones we have achieved with support from our many partners.
Last year, we set an ambitious goal for ourselves: to mobilize and invest in 1,000 women and young leaders globally by 2030. In pursuit of this, we have actively engaged with many colleagues and peers in government, philanthropy, civil society, academia, and the private sector from around the world to bolster our outreach and impact.
With the SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement as our guiding frameworks, our focus has been on advancing gender equity, empowering youth leaders, investing in grassroots-led climate solutions, championing global citizenship education, and elevating the influence of Indigenous communities, both within North America and globally
A significant stride was launching our grantmaking program, the Accelerator Fund, in collaboration with the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens in Vienna, with the goal of providing financial assistance and technical support for emerging grassroots leaders in the Global South who are advancing SDG solutions in their communities. We also expanded our work mobilizing young people as champions for the Sustainable Development Goals and Global Citizenship Education through partnerships with higher-education institutions and civil society organizations working directly with youth leaders. One of the highlights of my 2023 New York trip was the opportunity to meet with many of these young changemakers and students, who inspired me with their tenacity and ambitions for the future.
As you delve into this report, I hope it inspires you to take action and continue to support the vision of a world guided by global citizen leaders who act with the highest interest of people and planet in mind. We know that addressing the global challenges of our time will require the full participation of all — across geographies, demographic backgrounds, sectors and industries. It is only through continued partnership that we will be able to achieve meaningful progress toward a more sustainable, just, and prosperous world that truly leaves no one behind.
I thank you for your support thus far and look forward to continued collaboration in the years to come.
With appreciation,
BanKi-moon Chair, Ban Ki-moon Foundation
DearFriendsandPartners,
2022 and 2023 have been transformative years for the Ban Ki-moon Foundation–andfortheworld.
WhenwepubliclylaunchedinFall2022,NYCwasstilldealingwiththeimpact of and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic – a moment in time we will never forget. Prior to the pandemic, notable achievements had been made to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals – one of our key guiding frameworks – on key issues such as poverty reduction, maternal and child health, access to electricity, and gender equality. Since 2020, however, we have haveseentheeconomicimpactofthepandemiconmultipleindustriesandregions,includingthelearning outcomes of students worldwide, as well as the accelerating impacts of climate change and numerous growingchallengestodemocracyandcivilsociety.
Yetduringthesedifficulttimes,therehasalsobeenevidenceofimportanttrendsthatgiveustremendous hope We are inspired by the increased numbers of youth leaders with a deep passion for social entrepreneurship rooted in values of global citizenship; we are invigorated by women and LGBTQIA+ leaderswhocontinuetofightforgenderjusticeineveryfacetofsociety;andwefeelcalledtoboldaction bytheleadershipofIndigenouscommunities,smallholderfarmers,andotherswhoareleadingthewayin advancingintegratedsolutionstotheclimatecrisis.
In2023,webuiltadiverseportfolioofprogramsacrossourthreestrategyareas:EducationandAdvocacy; Leadership Development; and Advancing SDG Solutions. And in 2024 and beyond, we are committed to mobilizingandinvestinginanadditional1,000womenandyoungleadersgloballyby2030–asitistheir leadership that the world needs most We are also committed to reigniting the spirit of cross-sector partnershipandmultilateralismthatledtothepassageofhistoricframeworkssuchastheSDGsandParis Climate Agreement, as well as finding new ways to demonstrate what is achievable when government, philanthropy,academia,civilsociety,andtheprivatesectorputtheirnarrowinterestsasideforacommon visionofprosperityforall.
As we work for a more sustainable, just, and prosperous world that leaves no one behind, we share deep gratitudeforeverydonor,partner,andcollaboratorwhohasmadeourprogressthusfarareality Thereis so much more that can be done. We invite you to join us in re-imagining what is possible when the enduringvaluesandstrengthoflegacymeettheuntappedpromiseandpotentialofafutureguidedbya globalcitizenshipmindset.
KateLandon Executive Director, Ban Ki-moon Foundation
In 2015, the international community reached historic milestones through the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change – two frameworks reflecting long-term intergenerational commitments to advancing economic, social, and environmental equity for all, under the leadership of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Both agreements highlighted the fact that the challenges faced by the world – both local and transnational – are growing more complex, interconnected, and cross-cutting. Their solutions must be sustainable, comprehensive, systemic, and long-lasting.
, p p , Republic of Austria, to advance efforts in Europe and globally. Another office was established in Seoul, Korea, called the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future in 2019, serving the East Asia region.
The U.S.-based Ban Ki-moon Foundation was launched in 2022 in New York City, with the goal of mobilizing stakeholders in the U.S. and the Americas across sectors to advance progress towards the SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement The Foundation’s work in the U S , in collaboration with global partners, will focus on addressing five timely issues: gender equity in all sectors; climate and sustainability; global citizenship education; public health equity; and peace, security, and justice.
OUR MISSION
We foster leadership for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement by influencing current decision-makers and mobilizing the next generation of leaders.
OUR VISION
We envision building a more sustainable world, based on universal respect for human rights, regardless of age, gender, identity, religion, and nationality through a global citizenship mindset.
OUR GUIDING FRAMEWORKS
At the 70th UN General Assembly in 2015, former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spearheaded the adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets. The SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, reduce inequities, and empower women and girls by 2030. They serve as the blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all, prioritizing the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. This ambitious agenda requires the partnership of governments, the private sector, civil society, and citizens alike, working towards a future that leaves no one behind.
Throughout his tenure as Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon prioritized climate change as an area of global focus. At the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, he led efforts to unite world leaders from 195 countries in adopting the Paris Climate Agreement. As the first-ever legally binding international treaty dedicated to mitigating the threats of climate change, the Agreement outlines the responsibilities of signatories to limit global warming, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and offer financial and developmental aid to the countries most i t d b d li t diti
Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth... these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security, and women’s empowerment.
Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.
- Ban Ki-moon, 8th UNSG
STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
We understand that achieving the SDGs and addressing the complexities of the Paris Climate Agreement demand a multifaceted approach. Our interconnected strategies across advocacy, leadership development, and catalytic financial investments reflect our determination to create a future that is more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. Here are our core strategies for engagement:
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: We are working to mobilize a larger and more diverse "bench" of visionary leaders and movements equipped to advance the SDGs by 2030, and also design, negotiate, and implement future efforts post-2030. This is done through fellowships, internships, mentorships and training programs for students, NGO leaders and civil society organizations globally, with a focus on women and youth.
EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY:
EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY: We aim to significantly increase financial and political commitments toward the implementation of SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement with a focus on key issues at the intersection of gender, racial and economic justice to improve outcomes for those most impacted by the effects of climate change and inequity worldwide.
ADVANCING SDG SOLUTIONS:
ADVANCING SDG SOLUTIONS: We catalyze, develop and scale real-life examples of grassroots and local, cross-sector leadership for the SDGs through financial resources and technical assistance, creating platforms for learning and collaboration between established and emerging leaders, and strengthening cross-sector partnerships.
EDUCATION & ADVOCACY
ISSUES OF FOCUS
Our Foundation is dedicated to addressing key global issues that are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Each of our focus areas reflects our commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future. Here is an outline of our primary issues of focus:
GENDER EQUITY IN ALL SECTORS
GENDEREQUITYINALLSECTORS toadvanceissuessuchasgenderparityinleadershippositions within public and private institutions, closing the wealth gap, and eradicating gender-based violence.
CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY
CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY to advance issues such as adaptation, food security, renewable energy,environmentalhealth,andsustainableeconomicdevelopment.
PUBLIC HEALTH EQUITY
PUBLIC HEALTH EQUITY to advance issues such as post-COVID adaptations, reproductive and maternalhealth,accesstouniversalandaffordablehealthcare,andmentalhealthforwomenand youth.
PEACE, SECURITY, AND JUSTICE
PEACE, SECURITY, AND JUSTICE including efforts to advance collaboration and peace-building measures, as well as transformative justice efforts within and between communities and institutions.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATIONNIIto advance best practices in GCED within schools, civil society,andacademicinstitutions,asatoolformobilizingyouthaschampionsfortheSDGs.
In November 2022, Chair Ban Ki-m with Dean Costis Maglaras and Columbia Business School for a Climate Change and the Future where they spoke about the urge time and the paths we need sustainable future. The event w 300+ students, faculty, and allie was followed by a reception whe formally announced the launch moon Foundation in the U.S.
A core focus of BKMF's mission is developing future leaders who are well-versed in the interconnected challenges of our world. This is specifically aligned with SDG 4.7, which highlights the importance of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) – an approach that ensures leaders gain sustainable development, human rights, and gender equality while al diversity.
CREATING A JUST TRANSITION THROUGH GCED
4 and its focus on education is extremely important in that it undergirds all her SDGs None of this can be done without boldly addressing how all of us iety – including youth – are going to be equipped with the knowledge and kills needed to fully participate in, build, and lead new ways of being in harmony with people and the planet.
- Kate Landon, Executive Director
High Level Political n with Columbia
University’s Center for Sustainable Development and Mission 4.7, hosted a panel “Beyond Green Jobs: Creating a Just Transition through Global Citizenship Education”. The panel brought together experts and 70+ participants from 10+ countries and emphasized that GCED should extend beyond job training to address sustainability, democracy, social inclusion, and
GLOBAL CITIZENS TO GLOBAL LEADERS
During his October 2023 visit to New York, Chair Ban Ki-moon met with young BKMF network members for a lively discussion on Global Citizenship, youth leadership, and the SDGs. The event gathered students and young professionals from the NYC tristate area, offering a unique opportunity to learn directly from the former Secretary-General about his experiences as a global citizen and world leader. He emphasized the importance of starting their leadership journeys now, regardless of their job title, position, or industry
The GCED workshops have helped me better understand what's missi school curriculums and social settings - and how youth such as myself peers can use GCED to fill those gaps and create a truly holistic app to tackling crises like climate change. Youth want to help. We are not immune to the climate crisi in fact, we have to carry that burden forever.
- Vidya Bindal, GCED Workshop Participant
GCED WORKSHOP SERIES
Continuing our partner p y, in October 2023 the Foundation launched a workshop series enrolling nine high school students from the New York tri-state area, all committed to communityled sustainable development. Through a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, the group is helping develop a toolkit for middle and high schools seeking to incorporate global citizenship into their co-curricular activities. In addition, they are supporting the design of broader outreach and advocacy efforts for this work in 2024 and beyond.
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
As part of our Leadership Development efforts, we provide training and technical assistance to emerging leaders, non-profit organizations, and cross-sector professionals on fundraising and advocacy both for their local work and to increase their capacity to mobilize resources for the SDGs within the field at-large. In 2023, we engaged in the following activities aligned with this strategy:
In September 2023, BKMF Executive Director, Kate Landon, presented at the global RISE Virtual Summit on the topic of fundraising and resource mobilization. The event, hosted by Junior Chamber International, brought together 300+ emerging social entrepreneurs addressing important issues aligned with the SDGs during Global Goals Week an annual week of action, awareness, and accountability for the SDGs.
In November 2023, we partnered with our sister office BKMC to deliver an expert workshop to their 2023 Global Citizen Scholars cohort. 15 young leaders from across Africa including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Togo, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe were trained on best practices to design and implement fundraising strategies, as well as how to authentically tell their personal stories to cultivate and maintain authentic donor relations.
undraising is not just about making an ask, ... it's also about offering partnership to those who want to join us in creating a world that does not yet exist.
- Kate Landon, Executive Director
ACADEMIC AND INTERN ENGAGEMENT
To meet our ambitious goal of mobilizing 1,000 young leaders and changemakers by 2030, we have nd MIT, to engage 15 undergraduate e SDGs as a framework for research,
ERVICE
For their capstone project, graduate students from NYU Wagner collaborated with the Ban Ki-moon Foundation to produce a comprehensive report titled ‘Identifying and Planning for Strategic SDG-Focused Corporate Philanthropy Partnerships’. This study surveyed the private sector in the United States, identifying further philanthropy to align with the s of the Foundation.
The Foundation engaged four undergraduate students from New York University’s Stern School of Business as part of a course on social entrepreneurship. Over the course of a semester, these students gathered and analyzed data culminating in a report that outlined key issues and proposed strategies to improve the U.S.'s performance on the SDGs, with a focus on public health and food policy.
Foundation hosted its inaugural interns in summer 3: Eleonora Ruben, a student at Sapienza Università di ma and Alannah Ardrey, a student of Bates College in ne. The interns supported BKMF’s mission of ancing women and youth leadership for the SDGs, ticularly in assisting the development of new tegies to mobilize other youth in this work from their home countries of Italy and the United States.
Co-hosted with our sister office Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens in Vienna, the Ban Ki-moon Foundation organized a panel featuring influential women from politics, finance, philanthropy, and academia to explore women's leadership in advancing the Global Goals on the sidelines of the 2023 High Level Political Forum. Speakers included Austrian Federal Minister Karoline Edstadler, BKMF Board Members Cecilia Garza and Monika Froehler, Capital Group Partner Karen Choi, and Lisa Guggenheim of the American Museum of Natural History. The panel focused on how women's unique leadership approaches contribute to the SDGs, emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and intersectional solutions.
NET-ZERO, RESILIENT, AFFORDABLE HOUSING FINANCE & THE PRIVATE SECTOR
During Climate Week, BKMF hosted a listening session organized by Build Change, Habitat for Humanity, and Reall to explore the links between housing and climate finance Key voices from the private sector discussed climate finance mechanisms, funding gaps, and opportunities for the housing sector. Emphasizing the urgency that by 2030, 40% of the world's population will live in vulnerable housing while the construction industry remains a major carbon dioxide emitter, the session laid the groundwork for future cross-sector efforts to address these challenges.
ENGAGING WORLD LEADERS
2022 and 2023, Chair Ban Ki-moon met gh-level officials at the United Nations uarters in New York City to discuss how to e political leadership around urgent and climate issues. These conversations med at strategizing and collaborating on o enhance international responses to l i d l b l i bili
During his visits, he met with leaders including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, and members of the UN Security Council, as well as the Elders These discussions focused on urgent global challenges such as ongoing conflicts, climate adaptation strategies, and broader global crises, emphasizing a collaborative approach to resolving these critical issues.
In 2022, the United Nations Library Dag Hammarskjöld launched selected papers from Chair Ban Ki-moon’s tenure as UN SecretaryGeneral, including his speeches, letters of note, passed resolutions, and repository of important documents This step makes his decade-long work and experience as Secretary-General available for all current and future leaders who are interested in understanding the origins of the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Climate Agreement.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE UNITED NATIONS: C
On October 2, 2023, the International Association of Permanent Representatives (IAPR) hosted a commemorative reception to celebrate and honor our Founder and Chair, former UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, and his lifelong commitment to advancing multilateralism.
While addressing the room, Chair Ban Ki-moon called upon high-level officials representing governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to heed the urgent call for bold action in the face of the accelerating climate crisis. He also underscored the critical necessity of fostering inclusive and collaborative partnerships on a global scale to effectively combat escalating economic and geo-political challenges.
Young and emerging leaders from the Global South who are dedicated to advancing the SDGs have the skills and competence required to make transformational changes in their communities and regions yet there is a pressing need for financial support and access to opportunities that can elevate their leadership. The Accelerator Fund, a collaboration between the Ban Ki-moon Foundation and our sister office, the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, was established to respond to this need. It seeks to empower changemakers through small grants, capacity building, and networking support, fostering a global network of committed and innovative leaders.
Funds such as the Accelerator Fund are essential for the attainment of the Global Goals These funds serve as vital resources for startups and small and medium businesses, especially in the Global South, where we have various issues affecting people and the planet.
Small concerted efforts are what we need to accelerate and attain the SDGs, ensuring collective efforts and leaving no one is left behind.
-Zaliha Lawal, Accelerator Fund Review Committee Member
The Accelerator Fund kicked off in August 2023 with two strategy roundtables involving 27 emerging leaders from the Global South, including participants from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Their input helped develop fair and effective grant criteria, guided by an inaugural review committee of eight young changemakers from Brazil, Nigeria, Mongolia, Peru, Kenya, and Ghana.
The committee's insights focused on alignment with underfunded areas of the SDGs, community engagement, feasibility, leadership capacity, and financial transparency, with the first grants to be made in June 2024
As a committee member, this process has strengthened my dedication and provided meaningful involvement with peers from around the world It’s inspiring to see our shared passion and dedication uniting us to reach more emerging leaders.
-Tugsjargal Erdenebaatar, Accelerator Fund Review Committee Member
TUGSJARGAL (TG) ERDENEBAATAR Mongolia
JULIA
SCHNEIDER IGNACIO Brazil
MANASITI OMAR Kenya
ALHASSAN MUNIRU Ghana
ZALIHA ABDULHAMID LAWAL Nigeria
KELLY ESMERALDA FLORES Peru
DAMARIS HERRERA SALAZAR Peru
YUSUKE SAKAI Brazil
B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
We recognize that achieving the interconnected global goals demands a cross-sector, collaborative approach. The Ban Ki-moon Foundation is uniquely positioned to partner with grassroots organizations and leaders, as well as established institutions and initiatives, amplifying all voices to ensure their perspectives are central to shaping both local and global solutions
Our outreach extends across diverse communities, geographies, philanthropic peers, various industries and sectors, and world leaders, fostering a comprehensive network of local and global change-makers.
All of us are connected. We must remember that.
We must stand in solidarity with those facing injustice in all its forms, and we must all step up to become true global citizens. In remembering our common humanity and working together, we can broaden and deepen multilateralism to create a more stable, fair, and peaceful world for today and for all future generations.
BAN KI-MOON 8TH SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
OUR SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS
We are grateful to our many donors and allies for their support, thought partnership, and commitment to our shared cause.
Chair Ban Ki-moon with partners at luncheon hosted by Board member Daniele Bodini in October 2023, including Board Member Kim Won-soo and Rick Smith.
Chair Ban Ki-moon with Geeta and Krishen Mehta, Professor Joseph Stiglitz, and Dr. Judith Richter in d
cutive Director Kate Landon with Stellar Kim ker, Karen Choi, and Board member Yongsuk " Chi at the 2023 Annual Gala hosted by ean American Family Service Center, where ir Ban Ki-moon and the Ban Ki-moon Centre work were honored with the Legacy Award.
As philanthropists, you have the power to turn the greatest collective challenges we face into our greatest opportunities....to transcend boundaries that may otherwise divide us and catalyze new ways of thinking about our relationship with people and planet.
We have closely managed our finances during these early startup years to build a strong, sustainable foundation upon which to grow and support our mission to foster leadership for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.
This financial overview includes revenue raised and expenses incurred since our public activities began in January 2022 The Ban Ki-moon Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit taxexempt organization based in New York City. Our IRS Form 990 is publicly available. The Ban Kimoon Foundation is the DBA for the Foundation for the Ban Ki-moon Centre.
In 2022 and 2023, we raised $2,018,813.10, including multi-year commitments, with expenses totaling $762,936.13. These are pre-audited numbers and subject to change. Expenses covered costs for staffing, consultancies, grants, convenings and events, travel expenses, communication and marketing materials, utilities, accounting and other professional fees, etc.
Individuals 19% Investments 1%
O U R P E O P L E
OUR LEADERSHIP
BanKi-moon ChairmanoftheBoardofDirectors
Chairman of Elsevier and Director of RELX Corporate Affairs
DanieleBodini Founder of the Alexander Bodini Foundation
MonikaFroehler Chief Executive Officer of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens
Join us in advancing our mission and mobilizing 1,000 emerging women and youth leaders in the U.S. and globally over the next five years.
Together we are bringing the world closer to a more sustainable, just, and prosperous future that leaves no one behind.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED
INTERNS AND FELLOWSHIPS
We work with high school and college students, as well as emerging NGO leaders, on research and advocacy projects of all types that advance the SDGs.
FOUNDING DONOR’S CIRCLE
Join us as a founding supporter and champion for our mission, while receiving customized updates on our work and invitations to special engagements throughout the year.
ACADEMIC AND NGO PARTNERSHIPS
We work with academic institutions and NGOs to advance best practices in Global Citizenship Education and Education for Sustainable Development with their constituencies.
CROSS-SECTOR LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
We work with cross-sector leaders interested in collaborating with other professionals to advance our mission by bringing their advice, talent, networks, and resources as we grow the organization.
