He spoke of a "challenge of global leadership" to tackle the world's worsening financial, energy and food crises.
"We see new centers of power and leadership -- in Asia, Latin America and across the newly developed world," Ban told more than 120 heads of state or government, including Presidents George W. Bush of the United States and Nicolas Sarkozy of France.
"In this new world, our challenges are increasingly those of collaboration rather than confrontation," he added.
"Nations can no longer protect their interests, or advance the well-being of their people, without the partnership of the rest."