U Thant Quotes

Diplomat
Burma
1909

U Thant was a Burmese diplomat and the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971. He played a crucial role in mediating the Cuban Missile Crisis and advocating for peace during the Cold War. He also worked towards decolonization and promoting human rights. U Thant was known for his calm and diplomatic approach, earning him the nickname “the Quiet Diplomat.” He was also a strong advocate for environmental conservation and established the first UN Conference on the Human Environment in 1972. His notable works include his efforts in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and his role in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement. U Thant’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of diplomats and leaders.Read Less

5 Top U Thant Quotes

The war we have to wage today has only one goal, and that is to make the world safe for diversity. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, U Thant, Diversity, Safety, War, 0

- U Thant

Diplomat

· Burma

The world will not Change and find peace if there is not a new education. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, U Thant, Finding Peace, 0

- U Thant

Diplomat

· Burma

Finding Peace

Governments, systems, ideologies come and go, but it is humanity which remains. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, U Thant, Comes And Goes, Government, Humanity, 0

- U Thant

Diplomat

· Burma

Respect for the truth comes close to being the basis for all morality. Explain Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, U Thant, Morality, Respect, Truth, 0

- U Thant

Diplomat

· Burma

As a Buddhist, I was trained to be tolerant of everything except intolerance Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, U Thant, Buddhist, Intolerance, 0

- U Thant

Diplomat

· Burma

U Thant Career Highlights

U Thant began his career as a teacher and journalist before joining the Burmese civil service in 1937.
In 1947, he was appointed as the Secretary to the Prime Minister of Burma, U Nu.
He served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Burma.
In 1957, he was elected as the Vice-Chairman of the University of Rangoon.
In 1961, he was unanimously elected as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations, succeeding Dag Hammarskjöld.
He was re-elected for a second term in 1966, becoming the first Secretary-General to serve two consecutive terms.
During his tenure, he played a crucial role in mediating the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Congo Crisis, and the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan.
He also initiated the first UN peacekeeping mission in the Middle East, known as the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF).
In 1963, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting peace and resolving conflicts.
After his retirement from the UN in 1971, he continued to work as a mediator and advisor for various international organizations.

Key Contributions by U Thant

U Thant is best known for his role in promoting peace and resolving conflicts during his tenure as the Secretary-General of the UN.
He was a strong advocate for the principles of non-alignment and neutrality, which helped him maintain a neutral stance in international conflicts.
He played a crucial role in preventing a nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis by communicating with the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union.
He also played a significant role in the decolonization process, helping many newly independent countries join the UN.
He was a vocal supporter of human rights and worked towards promoting racial equality and ending apartheid in South Africa.
He initiated the first UN environmental conference in 1972, highlighting the importance of environmental issues on a global scale.

What Sets Him Apart:

U Thant was known for his calm and diplomatic approach to resolving conflicts, which earned him the nickname “the quiet diplomat.”
He was the first non-European and the first Asian to serve as the Secretary-General of the UN, breaking the tradition of having a European in the position.
He was a strong advocate for the developing world and worked towards giving them a voice in international affairs.
He was a firm believer in the power of dialogue and negotiation, rather than resorting to force or violence.
He was a humble and modest leader, often shying away from the limelight and giving credit to others for his achievements.

Takeaways

U Thant’s career highlights the importance of diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts in international relations.
His contributions to promoting human rights, decolonization, and environmental issues continue to inspire future generations.
He serves as an example of a leader who remained true to his principles and values, even in the face of criticism and opposition.
His legacy continues to live on through the U Thant Institute, which promotes peace, human rights, and sustainable development in his honor.
U Thant’s leadership and contributions to the UN have left a lasting impact on the organization and the world, making him one of the most respected and influential figures in international diplomacy.