Commemorative meeting to mark the sixtieth anniversary…

Informal commemorative meeting of the General Assembly plenary to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the death of the former Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld.

2021 marks the 60th anniversary of the plane crash in which Dag Hammarskjöld, and the crew and other passengers accompanying him, died in Ndola, Zambia. Hammarskjöld is remembered as a skilled mediator and diplomat whose advocacy for decolonisation and dedication to international cooperation saw the UN through a period of intense change in an era characterised by great power competition. The historical contributions of his leadership as UN Secretary-General have had lasting impacts and many aspects of that legacy, particularly his defence of the values enshrined in the UN Charter, his dedication to strengthening the international civil service, and his commitment to adaptability and reform, remain relevant today.

Building on Hammarskjöld's legacy, this event will explore means of supporting the international civil service in fulfilling its intended role. Panelists will focus on the primary challenges and opportunities facing the international civil service as well as the respective roles of Member States and UN leadership in addressing them. 

Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the General Assembly, and H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. The event will also feature an interactive panel and a Q&A segment.