Commemoration in Zambia
This year will mark the 55th anniversary since Dag Hammarskjöld died in a plane crash in Ndola while serving as Secretary-General of the United Nations. He was a skilled and respected mediator and convinced that the UN could contribute to peace in Congo. The Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation, together with key partners, will arrange a solemn commemoration for Dag Hammarskjöld in Ndola and Lusaka, Zambia, on 17-19 September.
The commemoration consists of three parts; a seminar on peacebuilding and on inclusivity in peacebuilding at the Copperbelt University in Kitwe on Saturday 17 September (Sustaining peace in Africa – New Perspectives), the official Commemoration at the Dag Hammarskjold Memorial (Crash site, near Ndola) on Sunday 18 September, where the keynote speech will focus on Hammarskjöld’s ethics and values, as well as reflections on today’s challenges. The commemoration will be concluded in Lusaka where a seminar on international and regional support to peacebuilding efforts today (Sustaining peace in Africa – Regional Reflections) will be organised by the Swedish Embassy.
The commemoration event is open to the public. Should you be able to attend, kindly RSVP to Karin Abbor-Svensson.
Commemoration in Uppsala
We are also hosting a commemorative event at the secretariat of the Foundation in Uppsala on Sunday, 18 September between 16 and 17.30 hrs. We welcome those who would like to remember the life and legacy of Dag Hammarskjöld to join us at the Foundation for this event.
Henning Melber will make a short presentation, followed by a reception and a visit to the Hammarskjöld family grave to commemorate the Secretary-General and the 15 others who died with him in their efforts to find a peaceful solution for the people in the Congo.
Should you be able to attend, kindly RSVP to Sarah Smith by 15 September (limited seats available).