On December 14, 2010, Mr. Hiroo Saionji, President of the Goi Peace Foundation was award the "Social Education Distinguished Service Award" from the Ministry of Education, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. The award is in recognition of the Foundation's outstanding services and distinguished activities of past ten years, especially in the area of youth empowerment through social education.

Receiving the highest commendation, Mr. Saionji was chosen as a representative among the 117 awardees to receive a medal and diploma from the Minister of Education in a ceremony. The Minister emphasized the growing importance of social education promoted by organizations such as ours, and encouraged new partnerships of public, private and citizen sectors in serving the common good.