Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
The Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development since 2015
Since 2007, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has been implementing a human resource development program in the field of peacebuilding. This program was launched in response to a policy speech by then-Foreign Minister Aso Taro, who declared, "we are going to create Terakoya (school) for peacebuilders." The aim has been to train civilian experts from Japan, Asia, the Middle East, and African countries who can actively contribute to peacebuilding efforts on the ground. Graduates of the program are now working in peacebuilding settings worldwide as members of international organizations, NGOs, and government agencies.
Building on past achievements, the Ministry revamped and expanded the program to comprehensively implement talent identification, development, and career building. In fiscal year 2015, the Ministry launched the "Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development." The Ministry will continue to offer the "Primary Course," aimed at individuals committed to building careers in peacebuilding and development. This course includes about four weeks of domestic training in Japan and approximately one year of overseas deployment. Additionally, the "Mid-Career Course," which lasts about one week, targets individuals with over seven years of practical experience in fields related to peacebuilding and development, supporting further career advancement in this domain.
This program is operated by Hiroshima University, in collaboration with relevant organizations, including the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program.
1. The Primary Course
This course is designed to develop individuals who will build careers as leaders in peacebuilding and development in the future.
(1) Training Component in Japan
Approximately 20 program associates, including about 10 Japanese and 10 participants from various countries, spend together for about four weeks, striving to improve each other. In addition to lectures and participatory workshops, the program includes open discussions and career guidance, enabling participants to acquire the practical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in peacebuilding and development. It also provides opportunities to network with practitioners active at the forefront of peacebuilding and development support. (Language of instruction: English)
(2) Overseas Deployment (Note) for Japanese only
After the Training Component in Japan, Japanese program associates will be deployed for one year as United Nations Volunteers to field offices of international organizations involved in peacebuilding and development. Practical experience in the field is essential to becoming an expert in peacebuilding and development.
2. The Mid-Career Course
A one-week domestic training program is offered for individuals with more than seven years of practical experience in fields related to peacebuilding and development who aim to advance their careers in these areas within the United Nations or other international organizations. The training is conducted in English, and there are no nationality restrictions for participants.
3. Career Development Support
Focusing on participants of this program, the program offers tailored support to those aiming for employment in international organizations related to peacebuilding and development, or seeking further career advancement in the field. We provide skills and knowledge necessary for securing positions, including advice on career development and formation in international organizations, guidance on skills required for applying to positions (such as preparing application documents and handling interviews), and sharing information on vacancies in international organizations.
