Thant
- Born:
- January 22, 1909, Pantanaw, Burma (now Myanmar)
- Died:
- November 25, 1974, New York City, United States
- Nationality:
- Burmese (Myanmar)
- Profession(s):
- Diplomat, Educator, Author
Early Life and Education
- Educated at the National High School in Pantanaw and Rangoon University.
- Worked as a teacher and headmaster before entering public service.
- Deeply influenced by the writings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as Secretary to the Prime Minister of Burma from 1957 to 1961.
- Appointed Permanent Representative of Burma to the United Nations in 1961.
- Elected Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations in November 1961, following the death of Dag Hammarskjöld.
- Unanimously appointed Secretary-General of the United Nations in November 1962, serving until December 1971.
- Played a crucial role in resolving the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
- Oversaw the UN's peacekeeping operations in various conflict zones.
- Advocated for global development and economic cooperation.
Notable Works
- Views from the UN (Book)
- Numerous speeches and statements on international peace and security.
Many resources provide details regarding U Thant's life. For a detailed exploration, one might search for a 'biography of u thant myanmar video' to find documentary films and visual resources.
Legacy and Impact
- Credited with enhancing the UN's role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping.
- Remembered for his commitment to diplomacy and his efforts to promote international understanding.
- Posthumously awarded the United Nations Peace Medal in 1986.