Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961)
Dag Hammarskjold, born in Sweden, is best known for his successful career as the second General Secretary of the United Nations from 1953 until his death. Hammarskjold placed great importance on the “method of quiet diplomacy” and private discussion between representatives of different countries to achieve agreements. One of his most successful interventions occurred during the Middle East dispute in 1955 when he helped ease tensions by reaching an agreement of demarcation lines and UN observation posts.
In 1956, he helped ease the Suez Canal Conflict in which Israel, France and Britain invaded Egyptian territory to try to regain control of the newly nationalized canal (for shipping purposes). Despite his efforts, the invading countries attacked anyway. Under pressure from the U.N and the U.S., the invading countries soon ceased fire and retreated. Hammarskjold had powerful ideas and backed up the U.N. Charter´s peace initiatives with every word he said and action he made.
Unfortunately, he died in a plane crash while traveling to the Congo in attempts to secure yet another cease fire.
