Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that the National Order of Honour awarded to Houlin Zhao is in recognition of his distinguished service as the leader of ITU during a very consequential period for the globalization of telecommunications technology.

Zhao has been awarded with the National Order of Honour during a ceremony that took place today at Urugwiro Village.

It was attended by officials including the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire and the Political Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, Xing Yuchun among others.

Agaciro is awarded to a Head of State/Government, the head of an international organization, or another high-ranking official who has distinguished themselves through actions that significantly promote the common good, in Rwanda and beyond, in political, economic or social domains.

Agaciro is among five National Orders in Rwanda. The remaining four include; the National Order Of Friendship (Igihango), National Order Of Performance (Indashyikirwa), National Order Of Culture (Indangamirwa) and National Order Of Bravery (Indengabaganizi).

The International Telecommunication Union is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for many matters related to information and communication technologies. It was established on 17th May 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, making it the oldest UN agency.

ITU’s global membership includes 193 Member States as well as some 900 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.
The current Secretary-General of ITU, Houlin Zhao,72, hails from China.

He was elected for the first time in 2014 and re-elected for another term in 2018.

Houlin Zhao is a great friend of Rwanda who stayed closer to Rwanda along its journey to accelerate use of technology in different areas.