zoom_in Click to enlarge

U Thant

▲ ▼

description U Thant Overview

U Thant was a Burmese diplomat who served as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971, following the death of Dag Hammarskjöld. A close aide of Burmese Prime Minister U Nu, he was initially appointed as acting Secretary-General before being confirmed in the role. During his tenure he navigated several Cold War crises, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Six-Day War. He was succeeded by Kurt Waldheim of Austria.

help U Thant FAQ

When was U Thant Secretary-General of the United Nations?

U Thant served as the third UN Secretary-General from 1961 to 1971. He became acting Secretary-General on November 3, 1961, and was formally appointed on November 30, 1962.

Why did U Thant become Secretary-General after Dag Hammarskjöld?

Dag Hammarskjöld died in an aircraft crash in September 1961, creating a vacancy at the United Nations. U Thant, then Burma's Permanent Representative to the UN, was chosen to complete the unexpired term.

Where was U Thant born?

U Thant was born in Pantanaw, Burma, on January 22, 1909. He studied at University College, Rangoon, before working as a teacher, civil servant, and diplomat.

What happened after U Thant's second UN term?

His second term ended on December 31, 1971, and he retired from the Secretary-General's office. U Thant died in New York on November 25, 1974, at the age of 65.