U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has stressed the need for a new multilateralism.

Delivering the commencement address at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies in Washington Friday, Ban said the global financial crisis, climate change and the emergence of the new influenza have shown a new interdependence among nations.

He said powerful partnerships for enduring peace and prosperity are needed and that a new multilateralism could be the solution.

Friday marked the first time for the U.N. chief to deliver a university commencement address.