January 1, 2007 - Ban takes office as the eighth secretary-general of the United Nations.

March 22, 2007 - Makes an unannounced visit to Baghdad, Iraq to meet with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. During a live news conference with al-Maliki in Baghdad's Green Zone, a rocket hits just outside the room and Ban is visibly startled though unhurt.

January 20, 2009 - Tours the burned out ruins of UN compound in Gaza City which was destroyed by an Israeli bomb.

June 7, 2011 - President Barack Obama endorses Ban's run for re-election as secretary-general.

June 21, 2011 - Ban is appointed to a second term as UN secretary-general, by acclamation.

December 9, 2011 - Ban pays an unannounced visit to Mogadishu, Somalia, the first time a UN chief has visited Somalia in nearly 20 years.

April 30, 2012 - Addresses Myanmar's Parliament, becoming the first foreigner to do so since military rule began in 1962.