Dr. WATANABE Eimi Receives the Foreign Minister’s Commendation
2025/10/10
Awarding the Foreign Minister’s Commendation
On October 10, a ceremony was held at the Ambassador’s Residence to award Dr. WATANABE Eimi with the Foreign Minister’s Commendation. Ambassador UYAMA Hideki presented the certificate to Dr. Watanabe. The event was attended by her former colleagues, family members and friends, adding warmth and significance to the occasion.
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. In recognition of her achievements, she was awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Watanabe for her remarkable contributions to international cooperation and development.
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. In recognition of her achievements, she was awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Watanabe for her remarkable contributions to international cooperation and development.
Speech by Ambassador Uyama
Speech by Dr. Watanabe