UN veteran managed peacekeeping in world s hotspots
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January 6, 2021 â 3.01pm
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BRIAN URQUHART: 1919 - 2021
Brian Urquhart, who became the second official hired by the United Nations after its formation in 1945 and who helped shape and manage the international body through the final years of the Cold War, has died aged 101 at his home in Massachusetts.
A principal adviser to five UN secretaries general, Urquhart played a central role in translating the body s founding principles into action. He said his work at the UN was motivated by âidealism of a very practical kindâ following his traumatic experiences in World War II.
Brian Urquhart, a foundational leader at the United Nations, dies at 101 Colum Lynch Brian E. Urquhart, who became the second official hired by the U.N. organization after its formation in 1945 and who helped shape and manage the international body through the final years of the Cold War, died Jan. 2 at his home in Tyringham, Mass. He was 101. His daughter Rachel Urquhart confirmed the death but did not provide a specific cause. A principal adviser to five U.N. secretaries general, Mr. Urquhart (pronounced Er-Kut) played a central role in translating the United Nations’ founding principles into action. He said his work at the U.N. was motivated by “idealism of a very practical kind” following his traumatic experiences in World War II.
Brian Urquhart, Troubleshooter for the U.N., Dies at 101
He was best known for creating and directing the U.N.’s peacekeeping operations in conflict-filled areas around the world.
Brian Urquhart, left, former under secretary general of the United Nations, confers with former President Jimmy Carter at a conference on the Middle East in 1987. Mr. Urquhart advised the U.N.’s first five secretaries general.Credit.Linda Schaefer/Associated Press
Published Jan. 3, 2021Updated Feb. 2, 2021
Brian Urquhart, a troubleshooting British diplomat who joined the United Nations at its birth in 1945 and over the next four decades was a chief aide to five secretaries general while directing peacekeeping operations around the world, died on Saturday at his home in Tyringham, Mass. He was 101.