On 18 September, United Nations colleagues, family and friends gathered at UN Headquarters in New York to honor the life and legacy of Nicholas “Fink” Haysom, remembering a peacemaker, mentor and friend whose career spanned the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and decades of work for peace around the world.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, Chef de Cabinet Courtenay Rattray recalled Haysom as a “distinguished and principled lawyer, tireless peacemaker, and steadfast champion of the United Nations.” Before joining the Organization, Haysom was an anti-apartheid activist and human rights lawyer and later served as chief legal and constitutional adviser to President Nelson Mandela, contributing to South Africa’s democratic transition.
Haysom joined the United Nations in 2005 and went on to serve in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, where he led the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) from 2021 until his death in March 2026.
Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix reflected on Haysom’s ability to combine principle with pragmatism and firmness with humanity. For Haysom, he said, peace processes were ultimately about people - “their dignity, their rights, their security, and their hopes for a better future.”
Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo remembered Haysom as “a peacemaker and a mediator of rare intuition and unparalleled capacity to bring people together.” She highlighted his ability to listen patiently and empathetically, build trust and help people translate their aspirations into achievable goals.
“His natural leadership inspired and empowered everyone whose path he crossed,” DiCarlo said, recalling his dedication to service and his role as a mentor to generations of colleagues.
Speakers also reflected on Haysom’s deep connection to South Sudan, where his engagement began years before the country gained independence. South Sudan’s Permanent Representative described him as “part of our story,” recalling his contribution to the peace process that led to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and eventually paved the way for the country’s self-determination.
Throughout the gathering, colleagues remembered not only Haysom’s contributions to peace and diplomacy, but also his humanity, humility, humor and generosity. Music and poetry — two enduring interests in his life — featured prominently in the commemoration, which concluded with a performance by the UN Choir and a moment of silence.
The tributes reflected a legacy rooted in Haysom’s conviction that even in the most difficult circumstances, common ground could be found through dialogue, patience and an unwavering commitment to peace.
Colleagues, friends and all those whose lives were touched by Fink are invited to share their memories and tributes on the Kudoboard.
UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1cq1v34f7
