U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called Barack Obama's election to the White House a unique chance to usher in a new era of American cooperation with the rest of the world.

"I am confident today about future relations between the United Nations and the United States. I am confident that we can look forward to an era of renewed partnership and a new multilateralism," he said.

Ban and other top diplomats were optimistic about the prospects for Obama's presidency marking a sharp departure from Republicans' wariness and sometimes disdain for the world body.

"If ever there were a time for the world to join together, it is now: the global financial crisis; the crisis of climate change; the challenge of fulfilling our promises" for reducing global poverty, disease and other pressing U.N. development goals, he said.

'Historic opportunity'
Ban said Obama'ssweeping victory in Tuesday's U.S. elections represents "an historic opportunity" for the world body and all nations, not least the United States, which hosts the U.N.'s New York headquarters and is its single biggest donor nation.

"No country has a stronger stake in a strong United Nations," he said.

South African Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo said Obama's ascendancy marks an important turning point and demonstrates to all nations that democracy can work well.

"Clearly an Obama administration will be less ideological," he said. "We just are going to say to him, 'Bring that same spirit to resolving problems in Africa.' So it's a great day. ... We need the U.S. to come along with us — with more enthusiasm now."

Enthusiasm across the globe
In concert halls and ballrooms, in plazas and at beach parties, people across the globe hailed Barack Obama’s election as a stroke for racial equality and voiced hopes his presidency would herald a balanced, less confrontational America.

Throngs crowded before TVs or listened to blaring radios for the latest updates. In Sydney, Australians filled a hotel ballroom; in Rio, Brazilians partied on the beach. In the town of Obama in Japan, dancers cheered in delight when their namesake’s victory was declared.

Observers — many in countries where the idea of a minority being elected leader is unthinkable — expressed amazement and satisfaction that the United States could overcome centuries of racial strife and elect an African-American as president.

It shows that America truly is a diverse, multicultural society where the color of your skin really does not matter,” said Jason Ge, an international relations student at Peking University in China.

In an interconnected world where people in its farthest reaches could monitor the presidential race blow-by-blow, many observers echoed Obama’s own mantra as they struggled to put into words their sense that his election marked an important turning point.

“I really think this is going to change the world,” said Akihiko Mukohama, 34, the lead singer of a band that traveled to Obama, Japan, to perform at a promotional event for the president-elect. He wore an “I Love Obama” T-shirt.

Many acknowledged that — for better or worse — America’s economic, military and cultural might made the election globally important.

'Dare to dream'
Nelson Mandela, an international symbol of racial reconciliation and hope, was among the many around the world to congratulate Obama on his victory. South Africa's first black president said the election of America's first was a symbol of hope.