On 4 and 6 February 2025, United Nations University representatives met with counterparts from ministries of the Government of Japan. The discussions covered a range of topics and initiatives to strengthen partnerships to support sustainable development in Japan and beyond.
On 4 February, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan hosted the 31st High-Level Consultations between the United Nations University and relevant ministries. The meeting provided an opportunity for UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala and UNU Senior Vice-Rector Sawako Shirahase to outline UNU’s recent work as a think tank for the United Nations system, while introducing a revitalized UNU strategy focused on expanding partnerships, increasing visibility, and enhancing knowledge and capacity.
Prof. Marwala highlighted UNU’s renewed commitment to engaging with younger generations throughout Japan and UNU-led initiatives that are promoting dialogue between Japanese and non-Japanese youth. He also invited the Government of Japan to deepen collaboration with UNU throughout 2025 as UNU celebrates its 50th anniversary — a milestone that would not have been possible without steadfast support from the Government of Japan.
On 6 February at UNU Headquarters, Rector Marwala met with Mr. Hisayuki Fujii, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Rector Marwala extended his gratitude to Minister Fujii for MOFA’s longstanding support for, and collaboration with, UNU. He outlined recent examples including last year’s youth dialogue with Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa and the TICAD Ministerial Meeting side event exploring the role of innovation for sustainable development in Africa.
Rector Marwala emphasized UNU’s commitment to engaging with audiences in Japan through events at UNU Headquarters, including the Conversation Series and BIG IDEAS Series. He placed particular emphasis on a renewed commitment to youth in Japan through his tour to give public lectures in Japan’s 47 prefectures — so far delivering 20 presentations. Other examples included professional development for Japanese youth through the Rector’s Office Junior Fellows internship programme and a new Japanese Junior Professional Officer in Paris.
State Minister Fujii extended his appreciation for the Rector’s points and UNU’s long-running collaboration. He gave particular emphasis to UNU’s partnership on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, stressing its central importance for Japan’s diplomatic policy and in achieving a diverse, inclusive society.
He discussed how the Japanese government and MOFA are planning a capacity-building programme to ensure future generations can be leaders on gender-related issues. This will include supporting young researchers, building gender-related networks, and hosting leadership forums.
He noted that this year’s upcoming WPS symposium, on the occasion of the UNU 50th anniversary, is indeed one of these programmes. He extended MOFA’s thanks to Senior Vice-Rector Shirahase for facilitating the symposium as well as her and UNU’s work to host the ongoing BIG IDEAS Series.
