On 21 July, Mr. Bruce Jenks, former Director of the Partnerships Bureau, UNDP, was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, by Ambassador Nishida at his residence.

From 2000 to 2010, Mr. Jenks directed donor relations and successfully expanded the scale of UNDP’s operations fourfold in ten years, all while enhancing their overall quality – an achievement not only Japan but all Member States highly appreciate.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Nishida congratulated Mr. Jenks on the conferment of the Order, and introduced his considerable contribution to the enhancement of the partnership between Japan and UNDP, referring to the episode in 2001 when Ambassador Nishida, as the Director General of the Economic Cooperation Bureau, first met Mr. Jenks.

Upon accepting the Order, Mr. Jenks expressed his deep appreciation towards the Emperor and the Government of Japan for the conferment. Mr. Jenks stated that it was an honor for him to work closely with the Government of Japan, which has been a longstanding champion in the arena of development cooperation, and that he hopes the partnership between Japan and UNDP will continue to be strengthened.