Press Releases
Courtesy Call on Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs IKUINA by Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
October 15, 2026
On October 15, commencing at 3:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. IKUINA Akiko, Parliamentary Vice 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).
- Parliamentary Vice Minister IKUINA welcomed Ms. Gyles-McDonnough's visit to Japan. She stated that Japan attaches great importance to its relationship with UNITAR, the only UN agency with an office in Hiroshima, and expressed her desire to deepen collaboration with UNITAR that plays a major role in human resource development in developing countries.
- Parliamentary Vice Minister IKUINA also expressed her high regard for UNITAR Hiroshima Office’s role in the High School Students’ Summit on “World Tsunami Awareness Day” 2026 in Iwate scheduled for October 20 to 22, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration to ensure the success of the summit.
- In response, Ms. Gyles-McDonnough 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.