Dag Hammarskjöld

Dag Hammarskjöld was born in Jönköping, Sweden in 1905. Hammarskjöld obtained his Licentiate of Philosophy and Master of Laws degrees at Katedralskolan and Uppsala University before earning his doctorate in economics from Stockholm University. Hammarskjöld quickly became a successful public servant in Sweden, holding numerous positions, including Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1953, Hammarskjöld was elected the Secretary General of the United Nations. During his term, Hammarskjöld tried to improve relations between the Arab States and Israel, and also established the UN Emergency Force. Hammarskjöld served until he died in a plane crash in 1961. That year, he was posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, having been nominated prior to his death.