Question 1

Who was the first official Secretary-General of the United Nations?

Accepted Answer

Trygve Lie. Trygve Lie of Norway was the first person to hold the official title from 1946 to 1952. He played a key role in finding the current site for the UN headquarters in New York. Prior to his appointment, Gladwyn Jebb had served only as an acting Secretary-General.

Question 2

In which city was the United Nations Charter signed in June 1945?

Accepted Answer

San Francisco. The Charter was signed by representatives of 50 countries at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization. This historic event took place at the Veterans Memorial Court in San Francisco. Poland, which was not represented at the conference, signed it later to become an original member.

Question 3

Who is the only UN Secretary-General to have died in office while on a peace mission?

Accepted Answer

Dag Hammarskjöld. Dag Hammarskjöld died in a plane crash in 1961 while traveling to negotiate a ceasefire in the Congo. He is also the only person to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize posthumously. His tenure is generally remembered for strengthening the role of the UN in international mediation.

Question 4

Which UN Secretary-General was the first to hail from the continent of Africa?

Accepted Answer

Boutros Boutros-Ghali. Boutros Boutros-Ghali of Egypt served as the sixth Secretary-General from 1992 to 1996. He was known for his report titled 'An Agenda for Peace' regarding preventative diplomacy. He remains the only Secretary-General to serve only one term due to a veto on his second term.

Question 5

The name 'United Nations' was originally suggested by which world leader?

Accepted Answer

Franklin D. Roosevelt. Franklin D. Roosevelt first used the term in the 'Declaration by United Nations' during World War II. It was intended to describe the alliance of 26 nations fighting against the Axis powers. This name was later adopted for the permanent international organization established in 1945.

Secretaries & History — Set 1