On July 6, the “Minister of Foreign Affairs’ Certificate of Appreciation Ceremony,” hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was held at the International Conference Hall of JICA Headquarters (Ichigaya). Seventy-seven JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers who had completed their terms and returned to Japan attended the ceremony, where Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu personally presented them with certificates of appreciation. The ceremony was attended by guests including members of the JICA Parliamentary League—a group of Diet members who support Japan’s international cooperation, particularly the activities of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers—as well as executives from supporting organizations, as well as representatives from the organizations where the returning volunteers remained employed while participating in the program. They watched as each volunteer was presented with a certificate of appreciation.
In his address, Deputy Minister Kunimitsu stated, “The bonds you have forged with the host countries alongside local people, as well as the trust you have earned within the international community, are irreplaceable assets for Japan,” and expressed his respect and gratitude for the efforts and dedication of the returning volunteers. He also touched on his own experience working in the health and medical field in developing countries, expressing his hope that “you will utilize the international perspective and problem-solving skills cultivated through your service to excel in your respective fields.” Finally, he conveyed to the returning volunteers that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and JICA would continue to support the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and offered words of encouragement.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Delivers a Commencement Address
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Presented Certificates of Appreciation to Each Individual
Following the presentation of the certificate of appreciation, volunteer Suzuka Kobayashi (Laos, nurse) delivered remarks on behalf of the returning volunteers. She shared her experience of focusing on infection control and strengthening collaboration at her assigned hospital, which led to an increase in the neonatal survival rate, and expressed her determination to continue contributing to the world and to Japan by drawing on the experience gained through her volunteer work.
Team Member Suzuka Kobayashi Delivers a Greeting on Behalf of the Team
At the reception held after the ceremony, Muneo Suzuki, a member of the House of Councillors and advisor to the JICA Parliamentary League, delivered remarks on behalf of the group. Senator Suzuki said, “Volunteer activities are a valuable experience that serves as the first step toward international contribution, and your roles are extremely important. Going forward, please actively share what you have experienced and learned during your assignments and pass this on to the next generation,” he said, offering words of encouragement. During the reception, guests, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and JICA, and returning volunteers discussed their activities and daily lives at their posts, their future career paths, and ways to give back to Japanese society; many attendees expressed their appreciation and offered words of encouragement to each volunteer.
Finally, JICA Vice President Miyazaki delivered the closing remarks. He expressed his confidence in the volunteers who continue to visit their host countries after returning home to maintain ties, and he inspired the returning volunteers by introducing the recipients of the “Social Contribution Award,” which honors former volunteers who are contributing to society both in Japan and abroad. He went on to express his hope that the “connections between people” forged through their volunteer experiences would deepen the bonds between their host countries and Japan, and that they would give back to society both domestically and internationally in various ways by sharing their experiences and lessons learned.
Scenes from the Roundtable Discussion (Deputy Minister Kunimitsu and Returning Corps Members)
[Guests] *Listed in alphabetical order*
Kiyoshi Ejima, Member of the House of Councillors; Emi Kaneko, Member of the House of Representatives; Muneo Suzuki, Member of the House of Councillors; Masaaki Taniai, Member of the House of Councillors; Hisayuki Fujii, Member of the House of Representatives; and Shinsuke Miura, Member of the House of Councillors
Idea Co., Ltd., East Japan Railway Company
Yuichi Koido, Director, General Incorporated Association for the Development of Volunteer Corps
Seiichi Oishi, Executive Director
Yukito Kodama, Director, Japan Overseas Cooperation Association (Public Interest Incorporated Association)
© Source JICA