Dag Hammarskjöld

About

Dag Hammarskjöld was a Swedish diplomat and economist who served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1953 until his death in 1961. Born on July 29, 1905, in Jönköping, Sweden, Hammarskjöld was the son of a prominent Swedish family and was educated at the University of Uppsala and the University of Cambridge. He began his career as an economist and later became the Secretary of the Exchequer in Sweden, where he played a key role in the country's post-war reconstruction efforts. As Secretary-General of the United Nations, Hammarskjöld was instrumental in promoting international cooperation and resolving conflicts through diplomacy. He was a strong advocate for the principles of the United Nations Charter and worked tirelessly to promote peace and security around the world. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in resolving the Congo Crisis and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961, just months before his death in a plane crash on September 18, 1961. Hammarskjöld's legacy as a champion of international cooperation and peace continues to inspire generations of diplomats and leaders around the world.