United Nations, Oct 7 (IANS): UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon Thursday paid tribute to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs who died from pancreatic cancer, saying he was a "truly global force".

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ban said "Steve Jobs was unlike any other". He died Wednesday.

"He saw what others did not," Ban said. "He believed above all else in the power of human ingenuity -- to create 'tools' that people could use, that would not only improve our lives but, quite literally, change the world. He was a truly global force," Xinhua quoted the statement as saying.

Jobs took a medical leave earlier this year, the third in his battle with pancreatic cancer that began in 2004. On Aug 24, he stepped down as Apple CEO.

In a career that spans four decades, Jobs has revolutionized computers, animated movies and the music industry.

Under the leadership of Jobs, Apple withstood the internet bubble and the financial meltdown with its extremely popular consumer products like iPod, iPhone and iPad by emphasizing design and aesthetics play.