Dag Hammarskjöld

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Swedish economist and diplomat

  File:Dag Hammarskjöld.jpg

Dag Hammarskjöld in 1953

Born	29 July 1905, Jönköping, Sweden
Died	18 September 1961, Ndola, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia)
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Nationality	Swedish
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Dag Hjalmar Agne Carl Hammarskjöld (29 July 1905 – 18 September 1961) was a Swedish economist and diplomat who served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations from April 1953 until his death in a plane crash in September 1961. He is one of only four people to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously.

Early life and education

Hammarskjöld was born in Jönköping, Sweden, and was the fourth and youngest son of Hjalmar Hammarskjöld, who served as Prime Minister of Sweden from 1914 to 1917. He studied at Uppsala University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1925, followed by a Licentiate of Philosophy in 1928. He later received a law degree from the same university in 1930.

Career

Early career

Hammarskjöld began his career as a civil servant in the Swedish Ministry of Finance and later served as the chairman of the Bank of Sweden (Sveriges Riksbank). He was also involved in various international economic and financial organizations.

United Nations Secretary-General

Hammarskjöld was appointed as the Secretary-General of the United Nations in 1953, succeeding Trygve Lie. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen the UN's role in international diplomacy and conflict resolution. He played a significant role in the Suez Crisis of 1956 and the Congo Crisis of 1960.

Death

Hammarskjöld died in a plane crash on 18 September 1961, while en route to negotiate a ceasefire during the Congo Crisis. The crash occurred near Ndola in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). The circumstances surrounding his death have been the subject of much speculation and investigation.

Legacy

Hammarskjöld is remembered for his dedication to peace and his efforts to strengthen the role of the United Nations. He was posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961. His legacy continues to influence international diplomacy and the work of the United Nations.

Related pages

• Secretary-General of the United Nations
• Nobel Peace Prize
• Suez Crisis
• Congo Crisis
• U Thant
• Trygve Lie