I have recently been appointed director-general of the National Federation
of UNESCO Associations in Japan, which is proud of its long history as
a national organization. This is a great honour for me because I have been
working with UNE SCO for long time. At the same time, I recognize the heavy responsibility
of being the director-general. I will do my best to help develop the UNESCO
associations and clubs in Japan, although what I can do alone might be
limited, so I ask for your support.My work with UNESCO began at the Secretariat of the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO in 1965. As the Meguro UNESCO Association was established in 1954, some of you will have been working for UNESCO 10 years longer than myself. The Meguro UNESCO Association has a history of enthusiastically supported activities and I believe it would be an excellent role model for many associations in Japan. I have the deepest respect for the efforts that Ms. Reiko Kato and every member of the Meguro UNESCO Association, have made to achieve the results seen today. Also, I would like to extend my gratitude to my friends who are connected with Meguro UNESCO. Ms. Reiko Kato, the President, Mr. Takakiyo Ootsuka, who was my senior colleague at the Ministry of Education, and Prof. Shigeo Tajima who guided me in the UNESCO movement. Although the Cold War has ended, when you look at the world, we still have many conflicts between different ethnic groups. In the 21st century, I believe the mission of UNESCO will become more and more important and intense. With you, whose wish is as same as mine, I would like to walk hand in hand so we can further develop UNESCO activities. Your cooperation is needed now. |
| Born in Gifu Pref. in 1939. After graduating from the University of Tokyo,
Education Dept., he started his career at the Ministry of Education. He
worked at the Secretariat of the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO,
UNESCO Headquarters, etc. and became a director of the UNESCO Office in
Beijing. In April 2001, he became a professor at Bunkyo Women's University.
He is an author of the books: "50 years history of UNESCO and its
Perspectives", "Paris - Four Seasons and People's Life",
"English Conversation Skills for the Teachers Going Abroad (the Practical
Wisdom for an International Conference)", and others. |