The Robert Martin Award was established to honor the achievements of Sir Robert Martin, the first person with an intellectual disability to serve on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and to promote a society where people with intellectual disabilities around the world can thrive. This award was created with the formal approval of Ms. Amalia Gamio, Vice Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Honorary Chairperson of our organization, as well as the Government of New Zealand and Sir Robert’s family.

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Chitose Namboku, Representative Director of PEACE INCLUSION PIECE, participated as a panelist in the talk show titled “Volunteering for a Future Where Everyone Can Thrive – Harnessing the Power of Equity, Diversity, and Participation,” hosted by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme at the United Nations Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

Panelists (in order of appearance, titles omitted):
・Yuji Sogawa (Para-athlete, Omron Taiyo Co., Ltd.)
・Chitose Namboku (Representative Director, PEACE INCLUSION PIECE)
・Masaya Ninomiya (Professor, Faculty of Human Sciences, Bunkyo University)
・Ai Haruna (Entertainer and Singer)
・Akemi Masuda (Sports Journalist, Professor at Osaka University of Arts)

On March 3, 2025, the opening ceremony of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was held at the United Nations Office at Geneva, Switzerland. During this important occasion, we had the honor of presenting the founding principles and past activities of our organization. Our efforts to promote the rights and social participation of persons with disabilities were widely introduced to the international community, receiving significant attention and interest from many stakeholders. It was also announced at the event that the Vice Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been appointed as the Honorary Chairperson of our organization. With their global perspective and extensive experience, their involvement is expected to further strengthen the effectiveness and impact of our initiatives. Moving forward, we will continue working in close collaboration with the United Nations and related institutions around the world to realize a society where all people can live together with dignity.

From April 1 to 3, 2025, our organization proudly presented the PEACE INCLUSION PIECE exhibition at the GDS Berlin Global Summit, a global conference dedicated to the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities, held in Berlin, Germany. This exhibition showcased a diverse collection of artworks and messages created by individuals with disabilities from around the world. Centered on the themes of peace, coexistence, and diversity, the exhibition aimed to highlight the transformative power of inclusive expression and the universal importance of recognizing every person’s dignity. Throughout the summit, visitors from various countries engaged with our work, sparking meaningful conversations about accessibility, representation, and the value of inclusive communities. Many participants expressed strong interest and appreciation for the way the exhibition combined creativity with advocacy. This opportunity reaffirmed our belief that building a more inclusive society requires not only national efforts but also global collaboration, where mutual understanding and shared responsibility transcend cultural and geographic boundaries. As we look ahead, we will continue to promote inclusive values through international partnerships and creative initiatives, working towards a world in which everyone—regardless of ability—is seen, heard, and respected.