Lester Bowles Pearson

Pearson, Lester Bowles (1897–1972), Canadian diplomat, prime minister (1963–68), and winner of the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation in the Suez crisis (1956). In 1928 he joined the Department of External Affairs, becoming the first secretary, and in 1945 he was appointed ambassador to the United States. As secretary of state (1948–57) he made notable contributions in the creation of the UN and NATO. In 1958 he became the Liberal leader. After resigning as prime minister, he headed the World Bank commission, which produced the Pearson Report on developing countries.

See also: Canada.