Who Is Dag Hammarskjöld? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 29, 1905, Dag Hammarskjöld served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1953 until his untimely death in 1961. He is celebrated for his strong commitment to peace and diplomacy during the Cold War era. Hammarskjöld’s innovative approaches to international relations and conflict resolution have left a lasting imprint on the UN, and he is remembered as one of its most effective leaders.
Although Hammarskjöld has been gone for decades, his impact continues to resonate. In 2025, he would have celebrated his 120th birthday, and his legacy is examined by historians, diplomats, and scholars alike.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1905 |
| Age | 56 Years |
| Birth Place | Jönköping, Sweden–Norway |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Norway |
| Date of death | 18 September, 1961 |
| Died Place | Ndola, Northern Rhodesia, Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (now Zambia) |
Popularity
Dag Hammarskjöld's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact details on Dag Hammarskjöld's height and weight aren't widely documented in personal biographies, he was noted to have a tall, slender build, typical of individuals from his era. His physical presence often commanded respect, complementing his intellectual stature.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Though Dag Hammarskjöld never married and lived a somewhat private life, there has been much speculation about his relationships. He maintained close friendships throughout his life and was known for his deep emotional connections, particularly with his circle of colleagues and intellectual peers. His dedication to public service left little room for a traditional romantic relationship, and he remained focused on his career and mission for global peace.
In 1951, Hammarskjöld was vice chairman of the Swedish delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in Paris. He became the chairman of the Swedish delegation to the General Assembly in New York in 1952. On 20 December 1954, he was elected to take his father's vacated seat in the Swedish Academy.
Net Worth and Salary
As a diplomat, Dag Hammarskjöld's earnings were primarily derived from his position within the United Nations. Estimates suggest that, in today’s terms, he would have earned a modest salary relative to contemporary leaders, focusing on service rather than financial gain. His true wealth lies in his immeasurable contributions to international peace and policy.
Career, Business and Investments
Hammarskjöld’s career was entirely devoted to diplomacy and international service. After an impressive academic career, he joined the United Nations and quickly rose through the ranks to become Secretary-General. His challenging role involved navigating complex geopolitical tensions during the Cold War, implementing peacekeeping missions, and advocating for African independence.
Beyond his political endeavors, Hammarskjöld was also a noted author and poet, contributing to literature that contemplates existential themes and human values. His commitment to service rather than personal profit defines his legacy.
Hammarskjöld studied first at Katedralskolan and then at Uppsala University. By 1930, he had obtained Licentiate of Philosophy and Master of Laws degrees. Before he finished his law degree he had already obtained a job as Assistant Secretary of the Unemployment Committee.
Social Network
Dag Hammarskjöld was known for his intellectual and influential friendships. His networks spanned across world leaders, scholars, and activists, many of whom respected him for his wisdom and dedication. Although without a vast presence on modern social media, his contributions continue to be recognized and discussed in academic and diplomatic circles today.
Dag Hjalmar Agne Carl Hammarskjöld ( English:, ; 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.
As of 2025, he remains the youngest person to have held the post, having been only 47 years old when he was appointed. He was a son of Hjalmar Hammarskjöld, who served as Prime Minister of Sweden from 1914 to 1917.
Education
Hammarskjöld was educated at Uppsala University, where he earned a degree in economics and political science. His academic background provided a strong foundation for his later career in international diplomacy. Furthermore, he studied at the London School of Economics, enhancing his understanding of global politics and economics, which greatly influenced his work at the United Nations.
* Honorary degrees: Carleton University in Ottawa (then called Carleton College) awarded its first-ever honorary degree to Hammarskjöld in 1954, when it presented him with a Legum Doctor, honoris causa. The university has continued this tradition by conferring an honorary doctorate upon every subsequent Secretary-General of the United Nations.
He also held honorary degrees from Oxford University, United Kingdom; in the United States from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, the University of Pennsylvania, Amherst, Johns Hopkins, the University of California, and Ohio University; in Sweden, Uppsala University; and in Canada from McGill University as well as Carleton University, in Ottawa.
