Subject: Special Seminar for HU Students by Representatives of UN Organizations in Japan

UN agencies are actively engaged in addressing global challenges across diverse fields, including education, health, the environment, human rights, and food assistance. In this initiative, resident representatives of UN organizations in Japan are invited to provide students with a valuable opportunity to hear firsthand about the work of the United Nations, career paths, and the realities on the ground. In FY2026, the following seminars (lectures) are being held.

■ FY2026 Program Details

[Session 1]

• Date & Time: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 18:00–19:30
• Venue: Global Learning Center (hybrid: in-person and online)
• Speaker: Ms. Chisa Mikami, Director, UNITAR Hiroshima Office (United Nations Institute for Training and Research)
• Participants: 37 in total (30 in-person, 7 online)
  (Undergraduate and graduate students, including international students, from a wide range of disciplines)
• Faculty Coordinator: Associate Professor Asakura (IDEC Institute for International Cooperation)
• Lecture Overview:
  The lecture focused on an overview of UNITAR’s activities and pathways to UN careers.
  It covered UNITAR’s mission, its training programs based on human resource development, and the role of the Hiroshima Office, including its contributions to capacity building for addressing global challenges (with achievements spanning 150 countries and approximately 80,000 participants).　Specific training programs in areas such as nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, social innovation, leadership, and digital technologies were introduced, demonstrating how UNITAR’s activities are directly linked to global issues.
  In the latter half of the lecture, the speaker explained the qualities and competencies　required of UN staff, the recruitment process, and programs such as JPO. She emphasized the importance for students of developing expertise and proactively designing their careers.
  The Q&A session received numerous questions and extended beyond the scheduled time, highlighting the high level of student interest.
   

Lecture Materials: Click here ↓

[Session 2] (Scheduled)

• Date & Time: Monday, August 3, 2026, 12:50–14:20
• Venue: School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Lecture Room K110 (hybrid: in-person and online)
• Speaker: Mr. Yasuhiro Tsumura, Representative, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Japan Office
• Topics: Overview of WFP activities, food security, international careers, etc.
• Faculty Coordinator: Associate Professor Asakura (IDEC Institute for International Cooperation)

This lecture will also serve as the 15th (final) session of the general education course “Peace Studies from the Perspectives of Hunger, Poverty, and Environmental Issues.”

Note: Registration for participation (auditing) has been closed.

（Photos from Session 1）