The United Nations Association of New York 2008 UN Day Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Left: Two of this year's honorees, Mr. Sadayuki Sakakibara, President and CEO of Toray Industries, with Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon.

On October 23, 2008 the United Nations Association of New York honored Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his work on global climate change. Also honored were President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson of Iceland and Mr. Sadayuki Sakakibara, President of Toray Industries, Inc. of Japan.

Global climate change has increasingly been the subject of discussions at the United Nations in the past year. In accepting the award, the Secretary-General added that it paid tribute to all of the scientists, advocates and others who have done so much at the United Nations to advance the climate change agenda over the years. He said "many scientists and other experts believe fervently that clean energy will be the investment wave of the future."

Mr. Sakakibara accepted the award on behalf of his company, Toray Industries, Inc. He emphasized the involvement of Toray in climate change for the past 30 years. President Grimsson of Iceland briefly outlined his country's position and efforts on climate change in a video message.

Guests and dignitaries who supported the event dined in the Delegates Dining Room after a reception and cocktails in the Visitors Lobby of the United Nations Headquarters.