Press Releases
Courtesy Call on State Minister Mr. FUJII Hisayuki by Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
On March 4, commencing at 11:00 a.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, received Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). A summary of the courtesy call is as follows.
- At the outset, State Minister Fujii stated that Japan places importance on multilateralism with the United Nations at its core, amid the deepening fragmentation and conflict in the international community due to complex crises, and that Japan wishes to strengthen its strategic partnership with UNDP, which leads the United Nations in the field of development, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and human security.
- State Minister Fujii also expressed Japan’s intention to work with UNDP, a co-organizer of TICAD, to create innovative solutions to various challenges faced by African countries and the international community together with Africa at TICAD 9, which will be held in Yokohama this August.
- Ms. Eziakonwa expressed her appreciation for the Japan’s contribution to UNDP and explained UNDP’s efforts in Africa.
- Both sides concurred to continue close cooperation towards the success of TICAD 9. Both sides also concurred on deepening various partnerships, including exchanges between young people in Japan and Africa, while utilizing UNDP's network, expertise, and innovative ideas.
UNDP is the largest development organization within the United Nations system. UNDP has a global network with a high level of expert knowledge and a wealth of experience, and is performing a leading role in promoting initiatives towards achieving the SDGs.
UNDP is an important partner for Japan in the promotion of the development agenda, including as the co-organizer of TICAD. Japan is working together with UNDP to resolve global challenges such as promoting and spreading human security, health (Universal Health Coverage (UHC)), gender equality, and supporting measures against climate change.