Hearty congratulations to H.E. Ban Ki-Moon, UN secretary general-elect. This is a man of huge personal qualifications and a worthy son of Asia, whom his native land - South Korea - should be justly proud of. So should the UN Security Council and his fellow contestants who ensured high civility, diplomatic decorum and a rancour-free process. Bravo to you all.

Time is of essence, this day, about both the official General Assembly ratification-vote and his transition engagements. Once confirmed, Mr Ban needs a unique orientation programme. For things not to be business-as-usual, he has to focus on TWO anchors: World Peace and World Poverty. "Terrorism" is the absence of one, and the presence of the other.

The new Sec-Gen should proceed on a 30-day open tour of those endemic zones of the world, where he can find first-hand "jolting" lessons, to shape his horizon. Only then may he subject himself to any "Desk Work", and the usual "Glass House" briefings. This way, he would generate the fervour and freedom to be a new player, and can readily summon the soul and stealth to build the values-based and justice-driven United Nations of our collective dream.

We wish him God's speed.

Welcome.