On 26 July, Ms. Norma Chan, former Director of the Security Council Affairs Division of the United Nations, was decorated with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by Ambassador Nishida at his residence.

In her more than thirty years of service in the Security Council Affairs Division, Ms. Chan made an invaluable contribution to the smooth and effective operation of the Security Council, a critical organ of the United Nations. She was particularly helpful to non-permanent members of the Security Council, including Japan, advising these countries on how to fulfill their responsibilities in the Council.

At the presentation ceremony, Ambassador Nishida stated that Ms. Chan greatly supported the work of non-permanent members of the Security Council and contributed significantly to Japan’s efforts to implement its foreign policy in the United Nations. In addition, he mentioned that Japanese diplomats appreciated her understanding and support of Japan’s foreign policy.

In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Chan expressed deep appreciation toward the Emperor and the Government of Japan for the conferment of the decoration. She noted that her cooperation with many Japanese diplomats on important issues in areas such as the Middle East, Africa, Afghanistan, the former Yugoslavia and the Korean Peninsula were unforgettable and valuable experiences in her long career in the Security Council Affairs Division.

Ms. Chan expressed appreciation for Japan’s contribution for the work of the UN, not only in promoting international peace and stability in the Security Council, but also in a variety of issues such as peacebuilding, PKOs and the Millennium Development Goals. Furthermore, she cited the spirit of cooperation, discipline and civilized behaviors of the Japanese people as seen in the recent Great East Japan Earthquake and how the world admired their resilience in the face of such difficulties. Ms. Chan added that given such strength of the Japanese people it was not a surprise that the Japan’s female soccer team, Nadeshiko Japan, recently won the championship of the Women’s World Cup.

Ms. Chan went on to say that this decoration was an honour not only for herself but also for other colleagues engaged in the work of the United Nations Secretariat.  Citing the old Chinese proverb, “the flower of the peony looks nice but it needs green leaves to enhance its beauty,” she expressed her belief that good relations between Japan and the UN Secretariat will be enhanced further through continuous nurturing efforts.

As Director of the Security Council Affairs Division in recent years, Ms. Chan supported Japan’s active participation in the Security Council during its 2005-2006 and 2009-2010 terms by providing advice based on her extensive experience and knowledge. While maintaining integrity and impartiality as an international civil servant, Ms. Chan has made a substantive contribution to Japan’s efforts to implement its foreign policy objectives centered on United Nations priorities, including the situation in the Korean Peninsula.

Although Ms. Chan retired from her post as Director of the Security Council Affairs Division in 2011, expectations are that the partnership between the Japanese Mission and the UN Secretariat will continue to develop in a positive direction. The conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, on Ms. Norma Chan is an expression of Japan’s gratitude toward an international civil servant who has collaborated generously with Japan and contributed greatly to the work of the United Nations.