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International - September 11, 2025

U Thant’s Legacy as First Non-Western UN Secretary-General Unveiled in New Book: Peacemaker: U Thant and the Forgotten Quest for a Just World

In the mid-1960s, hailing from a secluded Burmese village, U Thant ascended as the inaugural non-Western Secretary-General of the United Nations. This appointment came amidst a global landscape brimming with escalating crises. We delve into an insightful conversation with the grandson of U Thant, who has recently authored a book titled “Peacemaker: U Thant and the Pursuit of a Fair World.”

Upon his appointment, U Thant was thrust into a world grappling with numerous international crises. His tenure spanned from 1961 to 1971, during which he navigated through complex geopolitical challenges and strived for global harmony. The newly published book “Peacemaker” offers an in-depth exploration of U Thant’s leadership, his personal beliefs, and the challenges he faced in his mission to create a more equitable world order.