04 November 2008

Tokyo, Japan: Mr. Takehito Nakata, UNV Honorary Ambassador (retired) will on 7 November 2008 receive the 'Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette', one of the highest decorations bestowed by the Japanese Government.

The decoration was created in 1875 for distinguished service to the nation of Japan and to the public as a whole. Mr. Nakata will receive the prestigious award during a special ceremony at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will then visit the Japanese Imperial Palace where he will have an audience with the Emperor.

Upon learning that he would receive the award, Mr. Nakata paid credit to the work of all UNV volunteers. “I will accept this award on your behalf, since it is all of you who deserve the honour,” he said.

UNV Executive Coordinator Flavia Pansieri sent her congratulations in a letter to Mr. Nakata. "We are particularly pleased and feel honoured that your contribution to promote world peace and development through volunteerism as UNV Honorary Ambassador has gained well-deserved recognition in Japan. I would like to congratulate you on your award on behalf of UNV," she wrote.

Mr. Nakata became a UNV Honorary Ambassador in 1993 after his 25-year-old son, Atsuhito, was killed while serving as a UNV volunteer District Electoral Supervisor with the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). Shortly after Atsuhito's tragic death, Mr. Nakata decided to abandon his successful career in import-export to follow his son's example in promoting human rights and the UN's vital work for the international community. UNV then invited Mr. Nakata to become its Honorary Ambassador.

In his capacity as UNV Honorary Ambassador, Mr. Nakata visited more than 30 countries to observe volunteer-led activities and inspire volunteers. He also took on numerous speaking engagements inside and outside Japan to advocate for Volunteerism for Development.

In 2001, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented Mr. Nakata with the Dag Hammarskjoeld Medal in memory of his son Atsuhito. In 2006, he received the Japanese Foreign Minister's Certification of Commendation, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to improve bilateral and multilateral relations between Japan and other countries.