# Poul Hartling > Danish politician and diplomat (1914-2000) **Wikidata**: [Q348901](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q348901) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poul_Hartling) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/poul-hartling ## Summary Poul Hartling was a Danish politician and diplomat who served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 1978 to 1985. He was born on August 14, 1914, and died on April 30, 2000. ## Biography - Born: August 14, 1914 - Nationality: Danish - Education: University of Copenhagen - Known for: Serving as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - Employer(s): United Nations, Danish government - Field(s): Politics, diplomacy, humanitarian work ## Contributions Poul Hartling served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 1978 to 1985, leading the organization during a critical period that included the Vietnamese boat people crisis and refugee situations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He worked to expand UNHCR's mandate and operations, particularly in addressing the needs of internally displaced persons. Hartling also served in various capacities within the Danish government, including as Minister for Development Cooperation, where he shaped Denmark's foreign aid policies during the 1970s. ## FAQs What was Poul Hartling's most significant role? Poul Hartling served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 1978 to 1985, leading the organization through major refugee crises including the Vietnamese boat people situation. What was Hartling's connection to Denmark? Hartling was a Danish national who served in various government positions including Minister for Development Cooperation, shaping Denmark's foreign aid policies during the 1970s. Where did Poul Hartling receive his education? Poul Hartling was educated at the University of Copenhagen. What were Hartling's main areas of work? Hartling worked primarily in politics, diplomacy, and humanitarian affairs, with his most notable contributions being in refugee assistance and international development. ## Why They Matter Poul Hartling's leadership of UNHCR during the late 1970s and early 1980s was crucial in expanding the organization's response to complex refugee situations beyond traditional cross-border displacement. His tenure saw the development of new approaches to protecting and assisting refugees, including greater attention to internally displaced persons. Hartling's work helped establish frameworks that continue to guide international refugee response today, and his experience in both national government and international organizations provided valuable perspective on bridging local and global humanitarian efforts. ## Notable For - Serving as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 1978 to 1985 - Leading UNHCR during the Vietnamese boat people crisis - Expanding UNHCR's mandate to include internally displaced persons - Serving as Denmark's Minister for Development Cooperation - Being educated at the University of Copenhagen - Receiving the Carnegie Prize for his humanitarian work ## Body ### Early Life and Education Poul Hartling was born on August 14, 1914, in Denmark. He pursued his higher education at the University of Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most prestigious institutions, where he developed the foundation for his future career in politics and international affairs. ### Political Career in Denmark Before his international career, Hartling established himself in Danish politics. He served as Minister for Development Cooperation, a position that allowed him to shape Denmark's foreign aid policies during the 1970s. This role provided him with valuable experience in international development and humanitarian assistance that would later inform his work at the United Nations. ### United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Hartling's most significant appointment came in 1978 when he became the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, serving in this capacity until 1985. During his tenure, he led UNHCR through several major refugee crises, most notably the Vietnamese boat people situation, where hundreds of thousands of refugees fled Vietnam by sea following the end of the Vietnam War. ### Major Challenges and Achievements As High Commissioner, Hartling faced the complex task of coordinating international responses to multiple simultaneous refugee crises across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He worked to expand UNHCR's operational capacity and advocated for greater international attention to refugee issues. One of his significant contributions was pushing for the organization to address the needs of internally displaced persons, expanding beyond UNHCR's traditional focus on cross-border refugees. ### Recognition and Awards For his humanitarian work, Hartling received the Carnegie Prize, a prestigious American art prize that recognizes significant contributions to peace and humanitarian causes. This recognition highlighted the impact of his work in refugee assistance and international development. ### Legacy and Impact Hartling's leadership at UNHCR helped establish important precedents in international refugee protection. His efforts to expand the organization's mandate and approach to complex displacement situations influenced how humanitarian organizations respond to refugee crises today. His experience bridging national government service with international organization leadership provided valuable insights into effective humanitarian coordination. ### Professional Network and Affiliations Throughout his career, Hartling was connected to various international organizations and institutions. His work at the United Nations placed him at the center of global humanitarian efforts, while his Danish government service connected him to European development cooperation networks. These connections helped facilitate international cooperation on refugee and development issues during a critical period of global change. ## References 1. [Dansk Biografisk Leksikon, 3rd edition](https://biografiskleksikon.lex.dk/Poul_Hartling) 2. Kongelig Dansk Hof- og Statskalender 3. general catalog of BnF 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia 6. Munzinger Personen 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013