UN Deputy Relief Chief Wraps up Official Visit to Japan [EN/JA]

(Tokyo/New York, 9 June 2023) Emphasizing the critical role Japan plays in navigating mounting global crises, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, wrapped up a five-day visit to the country today.

In Tokyo, Ms. Msuya met with Government officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), students, UN staff and others. They discussed how to further strengthen the partnership between Japan and the United Nations in tackling humanitarian issues.

“Japan has long been a pioneer in promoting human security and putting affected people at the heart of humanitarian responses,” she said. “With its prominent voice on the world stage, I count on Japan to continue championing UN efforts to help the ever-growing number of people in need.”

Ms. Msuya participated in the first-ever Strategic Dialogue between the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The dialogue focused on identifying innovative solutions to current crises.

At the Dialogue, Ms. Msuya underlined Japan’s pivotal leadership as the chair of the G7, an elected member of the Security Council, and a strong supporter of the Sustainable Development Goals. This has been particularly crucial in the face of converging megatrends of conflict, climate change, economic collapse and disease, she noted.

The Assistant Secretary-General held talks with H.E. Mr. Takei Shunsuke, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Kikawada Hitoshi, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. In these separate meetings, Ms. Msuya stressed the need to further strengthen the collaboration between Japan and the UN in addressing the dire humanitarian situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Ukraine and Yemen, among others.

Ms. Msuya met with representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as well as with the Japan Platform, which brings together Japanese NGOs, to hear of the challenges they face and opportunities in meeting humanitarian needs.

She also spoke with students at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate Program on Human Security and at the International Christian University High School.

“I was so inspired by the students’ curiosity and dedication to learn about how they can contribute to global affairs,” Ms. Msuya said. “Their commitment is what energizes my work and gives me hope for a brighter future.”

For further information, please contact:

• Eri Kaneko, OCHA New York, +1 917 208 8910, kaneko@un.org

• Akiko Yoshida, OCHA Kobe, +81 80 4677 3664, yoshidaa@un.org

OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int