Supreme overlord Ban Ki-moon to stop off in Cambridge

The benevolent overlord of the United Nations is coming to town to be awarded an honorary degree in law on the 3rd of February. 

During a special congregation in the Senate House, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz will admit Ban Ki-moon to an honorary doctorate.

Following the ceremony, Ban will deliver a lecture to students of Cambridge University and members of the local community.

You can apply to attend the ceremony here.

The degree has been given in recognition of his “humanitarian work, support of women’s rights, and achievements in the pursuit of global peace and security”.

The awarding of the doctorate comes in Ban’s final year as general secretary for the UN, a position he has held for over nine years.

During his time at the UN, he has driven important initiatives in the development of women’s rights, overseeing the creation of UN Women. He also helped with the establishment of a new Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict.

He has also been praised for his “extensive diplomatic efforts” to put “climate change at the forefront of the global agenda,” and has been instrumental in the development  of peacekeeping initiatives, such as the New Horizons project, set up in 2009.

The honorary degree congregation will be declared a “scarlet day,” and University and College buildings will fly flags and ring bells. Those attending the ceremony will be expected to wear academic dress.

Needless to say, nothing will eclipse this event.