Press Releases
Courtesy Call on Foreign Minister Iwaya by Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
August 8, 2025
On 8 August, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), for approximately 25 minutes from 11:30am. The overview is as follows:
- Foreign Minister Iwaya welcomed Ms. McDonough's first visit to Japan since taking office as Executive Director of UNITAR. He stated that Japan attaches great importance to its relationship with UNITAR – the only UN agency with an office in Hiroshima – and highly values the role it plays in developing countries' human resource development. He expressed his desire to deepen cooperation with UNITAR.
- In addition, Foreign Minister Iwaya mentioned that Japan had announced its third Voluntary National Review at the United Nations in four years. He stated that human assets are key to advancing the achievement of the SDGs in each country, and that the importance of human resource development is self-evident.
- In response, Ms. MacDonnough pointed out that it would be meaningful for each country if Japan shared its knowledge and experience in addressing social issues such as ageing, with the international community. She also expressed her gratitude for the Japanese government's continued support for UNITAR's activities, and stated her desire to deepen cooperation with Japan.
(Reference) United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Established in 1963, UNITAR's main duties are to provide training for government officials from developing countries and to conduct research related to the functions and objectives of the United Nations. Its headquarter is located in Geneva, Switzerland. In 2003, the Hiroshima Office was established as the only international organization office in Japan located in Hiroshima.