Press Conferences

Foreign Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro: I have one announcement at the outset. It is about the Official Logo for the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development.

First, let me briefly introduce the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development. This program was launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in fiscal year 2007 with the aim of developing civilian experts from Japan and foreign countries who can play active roles in the field of peacebuilding.

The program is designed to equip those who aim to work at international organizations with the necessary knowledge and skills, and to support them in securing positions. To date, the program has produced over 360 graduates of Japanese nationality alone, many of whom are currently serving on the front lines at international organizations.

This program consists of two courses: one for beginners and one for intermediates. The beginner-level course is called the “Primary Course,” and yesterday, 24 of its participants made a courtesy call on Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

We have been collaborating with Hiroshima University on this program and we have decided on the official logo in cooperation with Hiroshima University and others. [Shows the logo.] This logo was selected from a total of 54 submissions and was designed by Mr. TANIKAWA Hiroki from Fukuoka Prefecture. The logo is published on the MOFA website, so please have a look. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who participated in this public call.

In FY2027, this program will celebrate its 20th anniversary since its launch. MOFA will continue to work on human resource development in the fields of peacebuilding and development.