Cooperation with International Organizations (UNESCO,UNU)
The 32nd High-Level Consultations between the United Nations University and Relevant Ministries
March 5, 2026
On February 27, 2026, the 32nd meeting of the High-Level Consultations between the United Nations University (UNU) and relevant ministries was held at UNU. The summary of the meeting is as follows:
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and UNU host the meeting alternately each year. The meeting was attended by Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of UNU, Prof. SUZUKI Aya, Senior Vice-Rector of UNU, Prof. YAMAGUCHI Shinobu, Director of the UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS); and other participants from UNU. From the Government of Japan, the meeting was attended by Ms. OKANO Yukiko, Assistant Minister, Director-General for Cultural Affairs of MOFA, Mr. KITAYAMA Kouji, 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).
- UNU explained that the role of UNU, as a think tank for the United Nations System, is to conduct research on global challenges including the achievement of the SDGs, expressing his intention to continue activities such as providing opportunities for the interaction with young Japanese people and forums to discuss with Japanese research institutions with the aim of gaining support and understanding of UNU across various sectors in Japan. He also expressed its desire to continue to work in collaboration with the Government of Japan.
- MOFA expressed its expectation that UNU strengthen its role as an “intellectual hub” connecting Japan and the world, enhance its visibility, and develop human resources who can play active roles in UN agencies, and requested that UNU continues to implement activities that benefit Japan.
(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, 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.