2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations (Dr. Eimi Watanabe, former Director of Bureau for Development Policy of UNDP and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations)
2026/4/29
The government of Japan has announced the 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations.
Dr. Eimi Watanabe, former Director of Bureau for Development Policy of UNDP and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations will receive the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
Dr. Watanabe's international career began in 1977 with UNICEF. Her leadership roles included UNICEF Representative in India and UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh. She served as Director of Bureau for Development Policy of UNDP and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1998 to 2002, and as Chair of the World Bank Inspection Panel from 2012 to 2014.
As Director of the Bureau for Development Policy, she was pivotal in organizing major conferences such as those on Poverty Reduction Strategies and on Post-Conflict Reconstruction Assistance. She also developed a global system for sharing best practices, enhancing UNDP’s effectiveness.
Dr. Watanabe’s efforts in promoting public awareness of the United Nations and international cooperation have significantly strengthened ties between Japan and other countries. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Watanabe for her remarkable contributions to international cooperation and development.
Dr. Eimi Watanabe, former Director of Bureau for Development Policy of UNDP and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations will receive the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
Dr. Watanabe's international career began in 1977 with UNICEF. Her leadership roles included UNICEF Representative in India and UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh. She served as Director of Bureau for Development Policy of UNDP and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1998 to 2002, and as Chair of the World Bank Inspection Panel from 2012 to 2014.
As Director of the Bureau for Development Policy, she was pivotal in organizing major conferences such as those on Poverty Reduction Strategies and on Post-Conflict Reconstruction Assistance. She also developed a global system for sharing best practices, enhancing UNDP’s effectiveness.
Dr. Watanabe’s efforts in promoting public awareness of the United Nations and international cooperation have significantly strengthened ties between Japan and other countries. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Watanabe for her remarkable contributions to international cooperation and development.