Late last week, as expected, the U.N. General Assembly formally endorsed the Security Council's recommendation that South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon become the world body's eighth Secretary-General.

Over the preceding weeks, as the Security Council contemplated possible successors to the disgraced Kofi Annan, Ban emerged as the clear favorite. Indeed, it was his rapid surge to the head of the pack that surprised U.N. observers, many of whom expected a more difficult, drawn-out process. Given the stark divisions between nations, both at the world body and on the global stage, swift consensus seemed fanciful.

Ban won unanimous support from Security Council members, including all five of the veto-weilding permanent members. And again, the fact that the U.S., China and Russia could swiftly agree was a surprise to many.

But the emerging picture of the new Secretary General makes his broad appeal and the swift consensus around his selection easier to understand.

Ban is a career diplomat who is widely respected around the world. He has won the respect of China through his deft handling of North Korea's push for nuclear weapons in his role as South Korea's Foreign Minister and previously, as the national security advisor to two South Korean presidents.

It appears that Ban is the kind of leader that the United Nations needs most if it is to restore its credibility and edge closer to effectiveness in pursuit of its mission. As one BBC report put it, Ban "seems to have already decided to concentrate more on being a good administrator and less on cutting a dash as a high-profile international diplomat" in the mold of Kofi Annan.

As we've written many times, the need for reform at the U.N. is critical. And only a hands-on Secretary General willing to engage and lead the bureaucracy will be able to have a meaningful impact. Ban's commitment to focus on precisely that - rather than jetting around the world - could serve the world body very well, indeed.

Furthermore, Ban's record is one of quiet accomplishment. And that tends to support the suggestion that he will bring the kind of hands-on, results-oriented leadership that the U.N. desperately needs.

Finally, Ban has seen the U.N. at its best -- protecting his nation from its aggressive neighbor to the north. As he told the General Assembly in his acceptance remarks, "It has been a long journey from my youth in war-torn and destitute Korea to this rostrum and this awesome responsibility. I could make the journey because the U.N. was with my people in the darkest days. It gave us hope and sustenance, security and dignity. It showed us a better way."

It's worth noting that some news reports - especially in the United Kingdom - suggested that Ban may have promised certain senior positions to key Security Council nations in exchange for their support. Other reports implied that South Korea had increased foreign aid to certain non-permanent, African Security Council nations in order to secure their support for Ban's candidacy.

But in an interview with the Associated Press shortly after his formal election, Ban flatly and categorically denied both reports. Admittedly, after so many years of scandal, such reports are worrisome, but in this case, we're inclined to give the newly minted Secretary General the benefit of the doubt.

Ban officially takes over as Secretary General on January 1, 2007. His decisions whether to keep Annan's cronies in many of the world body's top positions will be the first indication of his seriousness about reform.

If he moves the deadwood out the door, he will send a powerful message that he is committed to swift and positive change. If he keeps Annan's cabinet of corruption nearby, he will send a clear signal that he has embraced the failed status quo.

The world is watching.