12 July 2006

Tokyo, Japan: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme’s Honorary Ambassador, Mr. Takehito Nakata, received on Monday the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Certification of Commendation for 2006 at a ceremony held in the capital.

The Certification of Commendation recognizes individuals and groups who have made remarkable contributions to improve bilateral and multilateral relations between Japan and other countries.

Mr. Nakata became a UNV Honorary Ambassador in 1993 following the death of his son, Atsuhito. The 25-year-old was serving as a UNV Volunteer in the role of district electoral supervisor with the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) when he was shot and killed in Kompong Thom Province on 8 April 1993.

This event led Mr. Nakata to carry on his son’s will to contribute to world peace as a UNV Honorary Ambassador. Since then, he has been active to promote UNV and volunteerism. He has visited more than 30 countries to date to observe volunteer-led activities as well as to inspire volunteers in those countries. He has also engaged himself in various speaking engagements inside and outside Japan.

Besides being a UNV Honorary Ambassador, Mr. Nakata founded the Atsuhito Nakata Memorial Foundation and has been supporting many international development projects and volunteer initiatives through the fund.

He also provided his support to the construction of the primary and secondary school in the Nakata Atsuhito Village in Prasat Sambour district, Kompong Thom Province, where his son was killed. In 2003, Mr. Nakata was awarded the gold medal for national construction by the Kingdom of Cambodia to recognize his long-term commitment to the reconstruction of the country.

Upon receipt of the Certification of Commendation on Monday, Mr. Nakata said, "I sincerely hope that I will continue contributing to the creation of the international community where everyone of us is able to live with dignity, by never despairing, believing in the present and future of [humanity], and sharing the joy and suffering with everybody else."