U. Thant Quotes

A collection of quotes by U. Thant.

U Thant (1909-1974) was a Burmese diplomat and the third Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) from 1961 to 1971. Born in Pantanaw, Burma (now Myanmar), he joined the civil service in his native country before being appointed as Burma's permanent representative to the UN in 1948.

During his tenure as Secretary-General, U Thant faced numerous challenges, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the decolonization of Africa, and the height of the Vietnam War. He advocated for peace, diplomacy, and non-alignment during these turbulent times, earning respect from world leaders.

U Thant was known for his quiet and unassuming demeanor, often portraying a calm and gentle approach in his diplomatic endeavors. He played a crucial role in defusing tensions and negotiating peaceful resolutions during his time at the UN.

Despite his neutrality, U Thant strongly condemned apartheid in South Africa and voiced support for the civil rights movement in the United States. He also extended the UN membership to new countries and expanded the organization's work on development and disarmament.

U Thant retired from his position as Secretary-General in 1971, but remained active in global affairs until his death in 1974. His legacy is remembered for his unwavering commitment to peace, human rights, and the principles of the United Nations.