The United Nations Security Council has recommended the re-election of Ban Ki-moon for a second term as U.N. chief.

The Security Council officially endorsed Mr. Ban on Friday.

The former South Korean foreign minister faced no other candidates. His bid earned the backing of the United States and other key Security Council members. If any of the council's five permanent members had vetoed recommending Mr. Ban's reappointment, he would not have been eligible for another term.

The 192-nation U.N. General Assembly is scheduled to vote to confirm him on June 21.

U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed Mr. Ban's candidacy. The White House said the U.N. secretary-general has made important reforms and led the world body as it played a critical role in crises and challenges around the world — including in Haiti, Ivory Coast, Libya and South Sudan.

Announcing his bid last week, the 67-year-old U.N. chief said he sent a letter to the 192 U.N. member states to “humbly” offer himself for re-election. Mr. Ban has been secretary-general since January 1, 2007. His five-year term ends on December 31.

During his tenure, Mr. Ban has made climate change, disarmament, gender equality and peace and security among his top priorities.

He has been a near-constant traveler, personally extending U.N. and international support to countries in crisis.

Mr. Ban's critics say he has not been as outspoken as he should be on issues such as human rights and complain that his “quiet diplomacy” has failed in reigning in the world's dictators and despots.