Mongolian Sumo Star Becomes UNESCO Artist for Peace
New York, Jul 27 2006 2:00PM
The professional sumo wrestler known as Hakuho has become the first Mongolian to be designated an Artist for Peace by
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in recognition of his work helping young
people in East Asia.
UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura awarded the title to Hakuho, otherwise known as Davaajurgal Munkhbat, at a
ceremony today in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, as part of the UNESCO Children’s Performing Arts Festival of East
Asia.
In a statement to mark the occasion, UNESCO said it awards the title Artist for Peace to “personalities who – thanks to
their influence, charisma and fame – help to promote UNESCO’s message.”
Other Artists for Peace include the Brazilian musician Gilberto Gil, Canadian singer Celine Dion, Russian conductor
Valery Gergiev and the Japanese ballerina Miyako Yoshida.
ENDS