The new United Nations secretary-general says Darfur, North Korea and the Middle East are among his top priorities.
Ban Ki-Moon of South Korea spoke to reporters outside UN headquarters in New York Tuesday during his first official day in his new post.
He said he is starting his duties as secretary-general at "a daunting time in international affairs."
Mr. Ban said the conflict in Sudan's Darfur is a top priority. He said he plans to travel to Africa this month and hopes to meet Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir during the visit.
Mr. Ban is the eighth UN secretary-general. He succeeds Kofi Annan of Ghana, who held the office for 10 years.
Mr. Ban is reported to be planning sweeping changes for the 192 member organization.
He has said that his first priority will be to restore trust in the United Nations, which has seen its prestige tarnished in recent years by scandal and corruption.
After he took the oath of office in December, Mr. Ban pledged to use his position to work toward building a more peaceful, prosperous and just world for future generations.
