Delegation from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research Visits Sophia University for Student Dialogue
On August 8, a delegation from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) visited Sophia University.
They met with Sophia University President Yoshiaki Terumichi and engaged in a dialogue with students.
The delegation included Executive Director Nikhil Seth, Alex Mejía, Director of the Division for People and Social Inclusion and Head of the CIFAL Global Network, Mihoko Kumamoto, Director of the Division for Prosperity, Chisa Mikami, Head of the UNITAR Hiroshima Office, and Akiko Ito from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Established in 1965 in Geneva, Switzerland, UNITAR is a specialized training agency of the United Nations. It conducts training programs worldwide in fields such as diplomacy, economic development, environment, peace, and post-conflict reconstruction, targeting international organizations, educational institutions, and the private sector.
In July 2003, UNITAR opened its Hiroshima Office in Japan, leveraging its location to focus on training related to post-conflict reconstruction, world heritage, and security. Besides training, UNITAR also conducts public sessions and youth ambassador programs.
Sophia University and UNITAR signed a Memorandum of Understanding on educational collaboration in 2019. Since then, we have co-hosted events such as the Sophia United Nations Weeks, seminars, and symposiums, collaborated on research, and facilitated internships for Sophia students at the Hiroshima Office. This visit by Executive Director Seth marks his first since the signing ceremony and commemorative tree planting in 2019.
After attending the Peace Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima on August 6, the delegation, accompanied by Sophia University interns, visited the university amidst a busy schedule of visiting related organizations.
Following the meeting with President Terumichi, a dialogue session was held between Executive Director Seth and 14 students, including those planning to participate in Sophia’s practical program “United Nations Geneva Training” and international students from Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and the Marshall Islands.
Director Seth shared insights from his experiences in Hiroshima, UNITAR’s efforts in post-conflict human resource development, and online programs available through UNITAR.
The students actively engaged, asking questions about UNITAR’s contributions to the SDGs and seeking Director Seth’s thoughts on what they can do given their countries’ current situations.
After the dialogue, Director Seth and the delegation visited the Japanese camellia planted during the 2019 ceremony, appreciating its growth as a symbol of the ongoing collaboration with Sophia University.