The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan hosted a reception in Tokyo to mark the 82nd session of the United Nations University Council(UNU), which is the only body with headquarters in Japan. This occasion was to reinforce cooperation between the UNU and different sectors in Japan.
Approximately 140 guests attended, including notable figures such as Professor Funmi Olonisakin, Chair of the UNU Council; Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector; members of the UNU Council; Mr. Fumiaki Kobayashi, State Minister for the Environment; Mr. Yasukuni Kinjo, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; and other notable representatives from academia and business. The reception was hosted by Ms. Akiko Ikuina, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, who delivered the opening remarks.
We would like to express our heartfelt welcome to Japan to all the members of the United Nations University Council and appreciate their significant contribution for growth of the UNU.
The UNU, as a think tank for the United Nations System, through conducting research to resolve pressing global issues, including the realization of the SDGs, and in recent years, it has also strengthened its role as an educational institution to foster the next generation through graduate degree programs.
In 2025, the UNU will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its establishment. We intend to provide maximum support for the activities of the UNU, only United Nations organs whose headquarters are based in Japan, and to continue to strengthen cooperation with the UNU.
The United Nations University (UNU), with its headquarters in Japan, is a global research and teaching organization with 13 affiliated institutions and programs in 12 countries worldwide. The UNU focuses on pressing global issues that are especially important for the United Nations and its Member States. In 2010, the UNU launched the post-graduate degree programs. These programs aim to cultivate human resources who will play active roles in international organizations such as UN agencies.
The Council is the governing board of the UNU and holds a regular session twice a year. The 82nd Session was held at the UNU headquarters from December 5 to 6 to discuss and deliver decisions concerning its management. The UNU's 12 Council members are appointed in an individual capacity by the UN Secretary-General and the UNESCO Director-General, and they include: heads of major universities and the opinion leaders of individual country. The Council members serve a six-year term. As Japanese, Ambassador SATO Kuni, Advisor, East Japan Railway Trading Co., Ltd., was appointed in 2017.
