Ban Ki-moon breaks ground for renovation of UN headquarters

The United Nations is kicking off the long-delayed renovation of its landmark headquarters complex.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and 16 other dignitaries broke ground Monday on the compound´s north lawn for a temporary conference and office building.

Ban says the renovation of the 56-year-old complex will mark the rebirth of the U.N. headquarters. He says it will emerge safer, more modern, greener and more efficient.

The three-story temporary building being erected on the north lawn will be the first piece of the $1.9 billion renovation project.