Secretary-General's message on the occasion of the 90th birthday of Reverend Takeyasu Miyamoto

Reverend Miyamoto is a tireless advocate for children and a legendary humanitarian. Through the Arigatou Foundation, he has long championed grassroots efforts to improve the lives of children everywhere. His vision and commitment also led him to establish the Global Network of Religions for Children, a worldwide interfaith network dedicated to the wellbeing of children.

At the 2002 UN General Assembly Special Session on Children, Reverend Miyamoto spoke with great conviction as a representative of the world's religious communities. He emphasized that any effort towards a better world had to focus on children. He also proposed, and subsequently helped found, a global Council on Ethics Education for Children.

Many of the faith-based organizations founded by Reverend Miyamoto work closely with several UN agencies, including the United Nations Children's Fund, the UN Refugee Agency, and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Every day, these collaborations help advance our shared mission to promote child rights, world peace and global understanding.

I thank Reverend Miyamoto for his decades of service to humanity, and wish him continuing good health for many years to come.