Overview

Hubert Miles Gladwyn Jebb (25 April 1900 – 24 October 1996) was a British civil servant, diplomat and politician. He is best known as the United Nations' first Acting Secretary‑General during the organisation's initial transition from wartime planning to active international administration.

Early career and background

Trained in the British foreign service, Jebb spent his early career in senior administrative and policy roles. He combined professional diplomacy with staff work that prepared institutions for the post‑Second World War order. His experience in government made him a natural choice to lead early UN administrative arrangements.

Role at the United Nations

In late 1945 Jebb led the UN Preparatory Commission and acted as the organisation's first interim Secretary‑General, guiding initial secretariat formation, coordinating member‑state inputs, and helping set up procedures. His temporary stewardship smoothed the transition until a permanent Secretary‑General was selected.

Later public life and distinctions

After his UN service Jebb continued in diplomacy and public affairs and was elevated to the peerage as 1st Baron Gladwyn. He held several honours in recognition of his service, including orders of chivalry and official decorations. See his formal honours: GCMG, GCVO and CB.

Legacy and significance

Jebb is remembered for administrative skill during a delicate founding moment for the UN and for a long career that bridged national diplomacy and multilateral institution‑building. His interim leadership is often cited as an example of how experienced civil servants can provide continuity during institutional birth.

Further reading