On April 27, Ambassador Kodama attended the “Consul Ball 2012” held in Boston, where he made a speech on “Japan’s contribution to the United Nations”.

            The event has been organized annually to raise funds for a Model United Nations program for youth, and it is highly attended every year by many people who have a deep interest in the United Nations.  This year’s theme was “Japan” as this year marked the 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry blossom trees from the people of Japan to the people of the United States.  It also marks the year Japan Airlines began direct service between Boston and Tokyo. The event emphasized the growing relationship between Japan and the United Nations as well.

            Ambassador Kodama, in his speech at the event, noted that Japan has contributed to the United Nations since the membership in 1956 in many ways, such as by serving ten times as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, by being the 2nd largest financial contributor, by contributing to 13 PKO operations, and other contributions, and the speech was applauded by more than three hundred sixty participants. (Ambassador Koadama’s full speech text)