Koichiro Matsuura

Koichiro Matsuura (born on 29 September 1937 in Tokyo) - UNESCO Director-General in 1999-2009.

He graduated from the Law Faculty of the University of Tokyo (1959) and Department of Economics at Heyverford College (United States, Pennsylvania, 1961). He worked as a diplomat, in 1992-1994 he served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

On October 20, 1999 he was elected Director-General of UNESCO (took office on 15 November). He became the ninth head of the international organization and the first representative of the Asian country in this position. On October 12, 2005 he was re-elected to the post of Director-General of UNESCO, on the 4-year period.

UN resolution (53/15) states: Year of 2000 - International Year of the World Culture. In May 2000, Koichiro Matsuura, sent the International Delphic Council a greeting in which he expressed support for the initiative of the revival of Delphic Games.

On June 10, 2008 for his outstanding contribution to international cooperation and strengthening of ties with the People's Friendship University, Matsuura was awarded an honorary doctorate of the PFUR.

"Peace on Earth - that's what people need. Drugs bring only pain, madness and crime. The work of the World League is very ponderable for the community. I wish you success in your project!"