UN chief Ban Ki-Moon bids farewell to staff

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon joked to hundreds of diplomats and staff that he feels "like Cinderella" as at midnight his 10-year tenure reaches an end.

The native South Korean thanked U.N. workers for their hard work and commitment over the course of his position as UN chief.

"Tomorrow night on the eve of the new year, I'll be in Times Square for the ball drop. Millions of people will be watching as I lose my job," he said with a smile.

He told his colleagues he had two words for them: "Thank You."

As the top U.N. official over the last decade, Ban fostered a global agreement to combat climate change and new U.N. goals to combat poverty and inequality.

However, he leaves amid continuing conflicts from Syria and Yemen to South Sudan and Libya.

Ban urged staff members to stay focused on advancing U.N. development goals and working to address issues ranging from climate change to gender empowerment.

"Keep the focus on people on people's rights and people's dignity," he told them.

Ban will be succeeded by former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres, who begins a five-year term on Sunday.

As Ban left the building a line of staffers held up signs saying "We Love You SG and Madam," using the initials for secretary-general and paying tribute to his wife Yoo Soon-taek.

The visibly emotional secretary-general, when asked about the sendoff before walking out the door and getting into his car, said: "It's very moving. I'm so grateful for the support and friendship that they have shown me. ... I'm honored to have served this great organization."

Ban returns to South Korea amid widespread speculation he will be a candidate to replace the country's president, who has been impeached.