10 Facts About Odd Nansen

Odd Nansen was a Norwegian architect, writer, and humanitarian.

Odd Nansen is credited with being a co-founder of UNICEF and for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of Jews in the early years of World War II.

Odd Nansen was the second youngest of five children born to scientist and explorer Fridtjof Nansen.

Odd Nansen formed the humanitarian organization Nansenhjelpen in 1936 to provide relief for Jews fleeing Nazi persecution in central Europe.

Odd Nansen was a forced laborer at the Veidal Prison Camp.

Odd Nansen maintained a diary during his imprisonment that he hid and preserved.

Odd Nansen survived captivity in the camps and returned to Norway where he resumed his architectural career, while initiating several humanitarian efforts.

Odd Nansen was the president of One World from 1947 to 1956, and he is considered a co-founder of UNICEF.

Odd Nansen was appointed commander of the Order of St Olav in 1970.

Odd Nansen was decorated with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and received the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria.