News - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School

John P. Holdren Receives Japan's Order of the Rising Sun

| May 22, 2019

The Government of Japan has announced that its prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star will be awarded to John P. Holdren, Co-Director of the Belfer Center's Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program and former Assistant to the President for Science and Technology during the Obama administration. Holdren will receive the award for his "contributions to strengthening relations between the two countries in science and technology."

The Embassy of Japan released the following summary of John Holdren’s contributions:

“As President Obama’s Science Advisor and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. Holdren facilitated cooperation between Japan and the United States of America. He co-chaired the 11th to the 13th Joint High Level Committee Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation between the Government of Japan and the Government of the United States of America. He has also enhanced cooperation between Japan and the U.S. in science and technology by actively exchanging views and opinions with Japanese experts.

Dr. Holdren worked closely with Japanese experts under the direction of President Obama to gather information on the status of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant shortly after since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident occurred in March, 2011 and strengthened the relationship between Japan and the United States of America through his consistent expression of support for Japan.”

The Order of the Rising Sun, established by Emperor Meiji in 1875, was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese Government.

For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:John P. Holdren Receives Japan's Order of the Rising Sun.” News, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School, May 22, 2019.

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