Mission statement

The Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation pays tribute to the memory of the second Secretary General of the United Nations by searching for and examining workable alternatives for a democratic, socially and economically just, ecologically sustainable, peaceful and secure world in which human rights are genuinely respected.

In the spirit of Dag Hammarskjöld’s integrity, his belief in and contribution to the United Nations, his readiness to challenge the dominant powers, his steadfast defense of the values of multilateralism and peaceful resolution of disputes, and his passionate plea for the right and sovereignty for small nations to shape their own destiny, the Foundation seeks to examine mainstream understandings of development and bring to the debate perspectives of often otherwise unheard voices, especially those from the Global South.

By making possible the meeting of minds, experiences and perspectives through the organising of seminars and dialogues, the Foundation plays a catalysing role in the identification of new issues and the formulation of new concepts, policy proposals, strategies and work plans towards solutions. The Foundation seeks to promote in innovative ways on the debates on development, security and democracy, thereby continuously embarking on new themes in close collaboration with a wide and constantly expanding international network.