18/09/2026
Today commemorates 65 years since the death of Dag Hammarskjöld.
Dag Hammarskjöld was a world citizen. During his tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1953 until his death in 1961, he became known as a dedicated international civil servant, faithful to the purposes and principles of the United Nations in challenging times.
As Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjöld emphasised the need for the UN to balance the interests of major powers and small countries. He was also among the architects of the UN’s peacekeeping forces. Hammarskjöld was widely respected as a person of utmost integrity, who acted on the basis of moral and ethical values.
Today, we honour the memory of Dag Hammarskjöld and pay tribute to his accomplishments.
We still do not know exactly what led to the plane crash 65 years ago that killed Dag Hammarskjöld, his staff and crew. In December 2024, on Sweden´s initiative, the UN General Assembly decided to extend the mandate of the UN investigation that seeks answers to determine what caused the crash. The search must continue to safeguard the truth for future generations, and to honour those who gave their lives in the service of peace.