U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was named Tuesday the winner of this year’s Seoul Peace Prize for his campaigning for women, children, poor countries and Middle East democratization.

He is the first Korean national to win the biennial prize since its establishment in 1990 in commemoration of the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.

“After a rigorous and careful screening process, the screening committee decided to award the Seoul Peace Prize to U.N. Secretary-General Ban in recognition of his great dedication to sustainable growth and enhancement of human rights of women and children,” said Lee Chul-seung, president of the Seoul Peace Prize Committee. 

The foundation also cited his efforts to end poverty and promote growth in developing countries and contributions to the democratization of Middle Eastern nations and the independence of South Sudan.

Lee said the organizing committee screened 140 nominees including incumbent and former presidents, politicians, international human rights and rescue organizations and leaders from economic and religious circles.

“I would like to humbly accept the honor on behalf of the whole U.N. system. I believe that the award represents an assessment of the efforts the U.N. has thus far made for the promotion of world peace,” Ban said.

He pledged to continue to do his best to further world peace and global harmony.

Ban took office in 2006 in the international governing body and started his second term this year with the unanimous support of the 192 member nations.

Among the past winners of the biennial award are Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee; Kofi Annan, former U.N. secretary-general; and Jose Antonio Abreu, founder of El Sistema.

Ban will receive a cash prize of $200,000 at an award ceremony, which will be held in October in Seoul.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)