100 Heroes: Dag Hammarskjöld
The gay man who became the secretary-general of the United Nations.
Dag Hammarskjöld was an 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.
Hammarskjöld was well-regarded internationally as a capable diplomat and administrator, and his efforts to resolve various global crises led to him being the only posthumous recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Early life and education
Born in Sweden in 1905, Hammarskjöld came from a wealthy family.
His father was Prime Minister of Sweden from 1914 until 1917.
He completed a law degree and pursued a career in political and diplomatic roles.
Career
Hammarskjöld quickly developed a successful career as a Swedish public servant.
He helped coordinate government plans to alleviate the economic problems of the post-World War II period and was a delegate to the Paris conference that established the Marshall Plan.
United Nations Secretary-General
When the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations became vacant in 1952, Hammarskjöld was seen as a neutral candidate that was acceptable to both the Soviet Union and the United States. He was elected to the position.
Personal life
Hammarskjöld was very discreet about his private life, although it's generally assumed that he was a gay man.
Death
In 1961, Hammarskjöld was en route to negotiate a cease-fire in Congo.
His plane crashed - killing all passengers on board. There is some suggestion that the plane crash was the work of intelligence services, with fingers pointed at both the Soviet Union and the United States.
