An important world leader will be on hand as the world watches the ball drop at Times Square this New Year's Eve.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will have the honor of pressing the button to kick off the 60-second countdown to 2017.

The South Korean politician has been head of the UN for the past 10 years.

Organizers say he deserves the honor for his work to help refugees and prevent war.

Moon will push the Waterford Crystal button just before midnight on what will be his last day in office.

His successor, Portugal's Antonio Guterres, takes over as secretary-general on January 1.