Our work for peace must begin within the private world of each one of us.
Meaning
Hammarskjöld said in a 1953 UN statement that lasting change begins with personal attitudes, not only diplomacy. Leaders model what they want to see. Before pushing a team to cooperate, examine your own habits of patience and fairness.
Source: UN Press Release SG/360 (1953)
About the author
(1905–1961) was a Swedish diplomat who served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations. Known for his integrity and commitment to peace, he played a crucial role in international diplomacy during a tense period of the Cold War. Hammarskjöld worked to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the UN, often mediating conflicts and promoting humanitarian efforts. He was posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961. His writings, particularly "Markings," reveal a deeply reflective and philosophical mind. Dag Hammarskjöld remains a symbol of ethical leadership and dedication to global peace.
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