Dag Hammarskjold (29 July 1905 – 18 September 1961) was a Swedish economist and diplomat.
Life and Career
Dag Hammarskjold was born on 29 July 1905, in Jonkoping, Sweden.
He pursued his education in the humanities and law. He attended Uppsala University in Sweden, where he studied law, economics, and literature. During his university years, he demonstrated a keen interest in philosophy and languages, becoming proficient in several languages, including French, German, and English.
After completing his studies, Hammarskjold embarked on a distinguished diplomatic career. He served in various roles within the Swedish government and represented Sweden in international organizations and conferences. In 1947, he was appointed as the Swedish delegate to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, where he became known for his intellect and diplomatic skills.
In April 1953, Hammarskjold was elected as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, succeeding Trygve Lie. His tenure as Secretary-General was marked by a deep commitment to diplomacy, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping. He played a key role in addressing several crises, including the Suez Crisis of 1956 and the Congo Crisis in the early 1960s.
Dag Hammarskjold passed away on 18 September 1961, in Ndola, Zambia.
Award and Legacy
Dag Hammarskjold was posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961 for his exceptional contributions to international peace and diplomacy.
His legacy is characterized by his unwavering commitment to international cooperation, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping efforts. He is remembered as a principled and effective diplomat who tirelessly worked to promote dialogue and understanding between nations. The Dag Hammarskjöld Library at the United Nations headquarters in New York stands as a testament to his enduring impact on global affairs.