Cooperation with International Organizations (UNESCO,UNU)
“The 31st High-Level Consultations between the United Nations University and Relevant Ministries”
February 6, 2025
On February 4, 2025, the 31st meeting of the High-Level Consultations between the United Nations University (UNU) and relevant ministries was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The summary of the meeting is as follows:
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the United Nations University (UNU) alternately host the meeting once a year. The meeting was attended by Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the UNU, Prof. SHIRAHASE Sawako, Senior Vice-Rector of the UNU and other participants from the UNU, Ms. OKANO Yukiko, Assistant Minister, Director-General for Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA), Ms. WATANABE Sonoko Director-General for International Affairs of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and Ms. NAITO Fuyumi, Director, International Strategy Division of the Ministry of the Environment (MOE).
- Prof. Marwala explained that the role of the UNU, as a think tank for the United Nations System, is to conduct research to resolve pressing global issues, including the realization of the SDGs and updated its initiative and efforts to increase the interest in understanding of the initiative of the UNU among younger generations and various sectors in Japan, including dialogue between youths from Japan and overseas, where they exchanged views and learned from each other. He also stated that he would like to continue these initiatives and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the UNU, to deepen coordination between the Government of Japan (GoJ) and the UNU.
- The GoJ side encouraged further effective use of the contribution of GoJ to the UNU, and expressed hope that the UNU contribute to Japan, through these initiatives, including developing human resources for UN agencies, collaborating with Japanese educational institutions and local communities, and engaging in, activities in the areas of climate change and biodiversity conservation, water environment, and education for sustainable development (ESD).
(Reference) United Nations University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU), with its headquarters in Japan, is a global research and teaching organization with 13 affiliated institutions and programs in 12 countries worldwide. The UNU focuses on pressing global issues that are especially important for the United Nations and its member states. In 2010, the UNU launched the post-graduate degree programs. These programs aim to cultivate human resources who will play active roles in international organizations such as UN agencies.