News

April 29, 2020 Others

Celebration of Mr. Bill Gates and Dr. Jeremy Farrar’s conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun

Today, the GHIT Fund is delighted to announce that Mr. Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from the Government of Japan for his “contribution to strengthening Japan's role in the field of global health” In addition, Dr. Jeremy Farrar, Director of Wellcome and GHIT Council member, received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, for his “contribution to cooperation with Japan in the field of global health and to the development of Japan's global health policy”.

 

The Order of the Rising Sun is the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government, created in 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment. The awarding of the Order is administered by the Decoration Bureau of the Cabinet Office headed by the Japanese Prime Minister. It is awarded in the name of Naruhito, the Emperor of Japan.

 

“This commendation from the Government of Japan is a unique honor for which I am thrilled to accept on behalf of everyone at Wellcome as well as myself and my family. Partnerships between the UK and Japan, Wellcome and the GHIT Fund have made an enormous impact on science, innovation, policy, and foreign affairs. I believe this commendation can be attributed to our collective efforts. During this challenging period, our solidarity is more essential than ever. I aspire to build further strengthened partnership for global health, together with Japan.” said Dr. Farrar.

 

GHIT Board Chair & Representative Director, Prof. Hiroki Nakatani and CEO & Executive Director Ms. Catherine Kaseri Ohura issued this statement "We are delighted by the Emperor of Japan’s commendations to Mr. Gates and Dr. Farrar--true leaders and pioneers. We are honored to partner with both of the foundations they lead; Japan has benefitted extraordinarily. We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Gates and Dr. Farrar for their superb leadership, foresights, generous support, and unwavering solidarity with Japan and GHIT to make the world a safer and healthier place for all.”

 

2020 Spring Conferment of Decoration on Foreign Nationals (MOFA Japan)

https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/100049370.pdf