The Dag Hammarskjöld Lecture is given in memory of Dag Hammarskjöld, and in recognition of the values that inspired him personally and as Secretary-General: compassion, humanism and commitment to international solidarity and cooperation.

The Lecture is co-organised by Uppsala University and the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation. The invited speaker should be an outstanding international personality who in significant and innovative ways contributes to a more just, peaceful and environmentally sustainable world through valuable achievements in politics or research.

Uppsala University has also instituted a special medal, which is only bestowed upon the Dag Hammarskjöld lecturers. The medal was created by the artist Annette Rydström in bronze, showing Dag Hammarskjöld’s portrait, as well as a handshake, the old symbol of Concordia, representing Hammarskjöld’s diplomatic efforts.