Miyako Yoshida receives her certificate from UNESCO's Director-General Koichiro Matsuura

First of all, I am very honoured and grateful that I have been nominated as a UNESCO "Artist for Peace". At the same time, I would like to express my sincere appreciation of this honour to the people who have recommended me for this role.

I have been thinking how I could meet the expectations of UNESCO as a ballerina. I owe so much to so many people to become a principal ballerina at the Covent Garden. To return the support of all those people over the years, I have been dreaming of holding a workshop especially for young children, where I will teach basic ballet method like steps, mime, posture, as well as explain about the ballet itself. I will use videos and perform by myself. I have decided that such an event will first be held this summer when I return to Japan.

I think that the nomination of UNESCO "Artist for Peace" came at just the right time in my dancing career. Without a peaceful environment people cannot feel beautiful things as beautiful. Whenever I see very miserable situations as in Afghanistan, Iraq, and many African countries through the media, I cannot help but feel that an environment where people could enjoy art from the bottom of their hearts must be brought to them as soon as possible.

I left for England at the age of 17 and have spent more than half my life outside my mother country Japan. The Royal Ballet Company where I am a principal dancer consists of about 90 dancers from all over the world. In order to become a very prestigious dancer in the Royal Ballet, the dancer must participate in auditions and pass very severe tests. Distinguished dancers who have passed these tests become a full member of the company. I have to take part in classes and have rehearsals everyday to perfect the role so that I can hopefully give a wonderful performance.

Despite differences of race, language, and culture of so many dancers I have never felt the differences of nations. The ballet company is completely unified towards one target to make the performance successful.

Ballet is a composite of movement, music, lights, sets, props, costumes, and we dancers always appreciate the whole ballet supporting cast. As a dancer of classical ballet I sincerely hope that the art will be introduced to many more people currently outside the usual ballet audience. If all the people who love art and are touched by art can express themselves, I believe this will be a very important way to contribute to world peace.

I will continue devoting myself to dancing as a ballet dancer, and will keep trying my best to get people to appreciate the joys of ballet. As I already mentioned I will start holding workshops for children this summer. Through such event, I would like to convey my experiences and wonder as a ballet dancer to the young generation, and make efforts to increase the numbers of people showing an interest in the art of ballet.

I know this is what I would like to do and very much look forward to doing what I can to help.

Thank you very much.