hammasrattaste

Hammarskjöld, Dag Hammarskjöld, Swedish statesman and jurist, was the second Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1953 until his death in 1961. Born on July 29, 1905, in Jönköping, Sweden, Hammarskjöld studied at Uppsala University and obtained his degree in economics in 1929.

Hammarskjöld began his career in the Swedish Ministry of Commerce and Industry, before serving as an Under-Secretary of the Swedish United Nations Commission from 1948-1953. During this period, he played a key role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the establishment of the United Nations.

Upon becoming Secretary-General, Hammarskjöld sought to strengthen the role of the UN in international peacekeeping and promotion of human rights. He was instrumental in negotiating the Congo Crisis by establishing the UN Emergency Force in 1960. His leadership style focused on neutrality and conflict resolution.

Under his tenure, the United Nations faced significant challenges, including the Congo Crisis, Suez Crisis and the Quemoy-Matsu tensions. Hammarskjöld traveled extensively, visiting various conflict zones to promote peace negotiations. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961, a year before his death in a plane crash on September 18, 1961.

Hammarskjöld's legacy is that of a dedicated international civil servant, who attempted to carry out the principles of the United Nations Charter. His commitment to impartiality and neutrality sets an example for future UN leaders.