Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Kishida by Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

On July 14, 2022, Mr. Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy call from Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who was visiting Japan. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows.

Prime Minister Kishida stated that the UNDP is the co-organizer of the eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8) to be held in August, and appreciated the participation of Administrator Steiner at TICAD 8. The Prime Minister also stated that Japan is determined to set out a pathway for African development with an eye to the post-COVID-19 stage and the situation in Ukraine.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Kishida, while welcoming the publication of the special report on human security by the UNDP in February this year, stated that he acknowledges the contribution of Mr. Takemi Keizo, member of the House of Councillors, as a co-chair of the advisory panel for the report, and expressed his desire to further strengthen partnership with the UNDP.

In response, Administrator Steiner expressed his deepest condolences for the passing of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and he stated the “investment in people” advocated by Prime Minister Kishida is linked to human security, which has been advocated by Japan and the UNDP.

Prime Minister Kishida and Administrator Steiner affirmed that they will continue working closely with each other in the lead up to TICAD 8.

Reference 1: Administrator Steiner

Administrator Steiner previously served as Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP; 2006–2016), Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (2009–2011), Director General of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN; 2001–2006), and Secretary General of the World Commission on Dams (1998–2001). He was appointed to his current position in July 2017.

Reference 2: UNDP (the United Nations Development Programme)

The UNDP is the largest development organization within the UN system. The UNDP has a global network with a high level of expert knowledge and a wealth of experience, and is performing a leading role in promoting initiatives towards achieving the SDGs. The UNDP is an important partner for Japan in the promotion of the development agenda, including as the co-organizer of TICAD. Japan is working together with the UNDP to resolve global challenges such as health (Universal Health Coverage (UHC)), gender equality, supporting measures against climate change, and promoting human security.

Note: This article was created with the consent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and on the basis of materials published by the Ministry.