Ban Ki-moon pays tribute to Edmund Hillary – mountaineer and humanitarian

Mourning the death of Sir Edmund Hillary, the conqueror of Mount Everest, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today paid tribute not only to the New Zealander’s mountaineering skills but to his humanitarian commitment to those around him.

“Sir Edmund not only climbed to one of the purest victories known to humankind, thereby championing and pioneering an awareness of the treasures of our Earth – he also worked to build health and education in the communities around him,” Mr. Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

Eulogizing Sir Hillary for giving “profound meaning to the concepts of courage and exploration,” Mr. Ban joins Sir Edmund’s family, the people of New Zealand, and his followers and friends around the world “in giving thanks for his life.”