Robert Jackson (UN administrator) facts for kids

Sir Robert Gillman Allen Jackson (8 November 1911 – 12 January 1991) was an important Australian. He was a naval officer and worked for the government. He also helped the United Nations. He was known for helping countries that were still developing. These countries needed help with technology and getting things where they needed to go.

Early Life and Education

Robert Jackson was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1911. His birth name was Wilbur Kenneth Jackson. He went to Cheltenham High School and Mentone Grammar School. His father helped start Mentone Grammar. Sadly, his father passed away, so Robert did not go to university. Instead, he joined the Royal Australian Navy when he was 18.

A Career of Helping Others

Naval Service and War Work

In 1938, Jackson worked with the Royal Navy. He showed great skill by planning how to defend Malta during Second World War. For this important work, he received an award called the Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 1941, he became a main advisor to Oliver Lyttleton. Lyttleton was a minister in the War Cabinet in Cairo. Jackson worked with the Middle East Supply Centre. He encouraged local farms to grow more food in many countries. This work helped him become good at diplomacy and managing big projects.

Post-War Relief and UN Work

After the war, Jackson led projects for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA). These projects were in Europe, parts of Africa, and the Far East. This was the biggest relief effort the UN had ever done. Next, he worked for Trygve Lie, the first leader of the UN. After that, he returned to the United Kingdom. He worked for the government's money department before moving to Australia.

Focus on River Development

Jackson became an expert in big river projects. These projects aimed to use rivers for many purposes. An article about him in The Times newspaper said he was involved in almost all major river projects in developing countries. From 1953 to 1960, he worked on the Volta project in Ghana. There, he met Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's leader. His work in Ghana earned him two special awards. He became a Knight Bachelor in 1956 and a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1962.

Advising Governments and UN Reform

From the 1950s, he advised the governments of India and Pakistan. In 1962, he joined the UN again. He advised Paul Hoffman of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He helped with technical and planning aid for developing countries. By 1971, he had helped with UNDP projects in 60 countries.

In 1969, Jackson published a report called the "Jackson Report." It suggested that UN projects should fit with a country's own development plan. This idea caused some discussion. Margaret Anstee, another UN worker, helped him with this report.

Later Humanitarian Efforts

Jackson's last big projects were helping Bangladesh. He coordinated relief efforts there from 1972 to 1975. He also helped Kampuchea (now Cambodia) and its refugees in Thailand. This work took place between 1979 and 1984. In 1986, he received another award, the Companion of the Order of Australia.

Jackson was known as a "master of logistics." This means he was excellent at planning and organizing complex operations. His work in Malta, with UNRRA, and in Bangladesh was especially praised.

Personal Life

Jackson married Barbara Ward in 1950. He had a son in 1956.

Sir Robert Jackson passed away in London in 1991. He was 79 years old.