Contact information
Global Peace and Development Career Network, International Office, Hiroshima University
1-3-2 Kagamiyama Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8511, Japan
Email: gpad⋆office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp
(Please replace ⋆ with @)
Left: Mr Miguel Gordo, Director of Global Strategy and Policy Division, United Nations Secretariat
Right: Ph.D. Prof. Shinji Kaneko, Executive Vice President, Hiroshima University
Photo credit: United Nations Information Center (UNIC)
On November 4, 2026, Hiroshima University and the Office of Human Resources of the United Nations Secretariat, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the United Nations University in Tokyo to strengthen future collaboration.This MOU aims to strengthen the development of globally competent professionals through faculty and student exchanges, joint research, and information sharing. The signing ceremony was attended by Ph.D. Prof. Shinji Kaneko, Executive Vice President of Hiroshima University, and Miguel Gordo, Director of the Global Strategy and Policy Division of the Office of Human Resources (OHR), United Nations Secretariat.
Under this agreement, Hiroshima University has become the first Japanese university to sign an MOU with the Office of Human Resources (OHR) of the United Nations Secretariat, headquartered in New York. Hiroshima University is only the fourth university to conclude an MOU with OHR.
Background and Purpose of the Agreement
As part of the United Nations reform process, the Office of Human Resources (OHR) is looking for new partners to strengthen its human resources development activities. In particular, the UN is working to increase the number of Japanese professionals serving within the organization.
Recognizing Hiroshima University’s longstanding contribution to peacebuilding through education and research, OHR approached Hiroshima University to establish a partnership that would promote the participation of Japanese students and researchers in UN activities.
For Hiroshima University, this partnership aligns with its commitment to expanding opportunities for students and young researchers to engage with international organizations and develop careers that contribute to addressing global challenges.
About the United Nations Office of Human Resources
The Office of Human Resources is responsible for developing and implementing human resources policies for the UN Secretariat. Through staff training, organizational development, learning initiatives, and career development programs, OHR works to foster a dynamic, diverse, and effective workforce capable of advancing the United Nations’ mission around the world.
By partnering directly with this key UN office, Hiroshima University will be able to provide students and researchers with new opportunities to engage with the international community and gain firsthand insight into the work of the United Nations.
Areas of Cooperation
The partnership will focus on two primary areas of collaboration.
First, faculty members and early-career researchers will have opportunities to engage in joint research and academic exchange activities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other global issues. The collaboration is expected to promote research that contributes to solving pressing international challenges by combining the expertise of Hiroshima University and the practical experience of the United Nations.
Second, Hiroshima University students will gain access to lectures and seminars delivered by UN professionals and receive support in pursuing internship opportunities within the UN system. Given the highly competitive nature of UN internships, which attract applicants from around the world, Hiroshima University provides guidance on how students can strengthen their applications.
Future Prospects
As an initial initiative under the agreement, Hiroshima University plans to invite OHR officials to speak with undergraduate and graduate students about careers in international organizations and the work of the United Nations. The first seminar is currently being planned for late November.
Through these activities, students will be able to deepen their understanding of international organizations and take important first steps toward pursuing global careers. At the same time, the partnership will create new opportunities for researchers to engage in international collaboration aimed at addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.
Contact information
Global Peace and Development Career Network, International Office, Hiroshima University
1-3-2 Kagamiyama Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8511, Japan
Email: gpad⋆office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp
(Please replace ⋆ with @)
Date : 2026/11/10
Copyright © 2003- Hiroshima University