Every year, the Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.

Ms. Wada Akiko, President of Rumbur Development Welfare and Conservation Society, has worked selflessly and with full dedication for the welfare of Kalasha people in the KP province, and has been cooperating with the local people to improve their living environment and to preserve their traditional culture for more than 30 years. She also contributed to the development of hygienic facilities to live and the provision of education opportunity for children, and also cooperated in the energy supply improvement project in Rumbur financed by the Japanese Government.

This year, the Commendations will be awarded to 172 individuals and 65 groups (20 individuals and 11 groups reside in Japan, and 152 individuals and 54 groups reside overseas).

H.E. Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, congratulated Ms. Wada upon her nomination for the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for FY2020. “Heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Wada. This prestigious Commendation is the acknowledgement of her efforts and dedication towards the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Pakistan,” said the Ambassador. He also deeply appreciated the services rendered by Ms. Wada for the welfare and betterment of the Kalasha people in the KP province.