Mr. Ad de Raad, a modest, charismatic and caring leader, introduced profound changes within the UN system enhancing the relevance of volunteerism to peace and development worldwide.
Graduate Program on Human Security of the University of Tokyo and Global Peace Association of Japan (GPAJ) held a seminar on the extent of reconciliation achieved in Rwanda with Dr. Kazuyuki Sasaki of Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences.
Participants discussed measures to enhance the collaborative relationship between ACUNS and East Asian countries including the possibility of the ACUNS Liaison Office to facilitate the participation of East Asian scholars and practitioners in ACUNS` Annual Meetings.
Anthony Duncker, Deputy Director of the Field Personnel Division (FPD) UN Headquarters New York and Naoual Driouich, Chief of Human Resources Section of UN Volunteers (UNV) Boon made detailed explanations to about 40 Japanese who are interested in joining the UN system.
At the conference of the Japan Association for Human Security Studies held in Kyoto, Japan, ACUNS Tokyo Liaison Office Deputy Director, Prof. Ai Kihara-Hunt of the University of Tokyo, presented her findings on the militarization of UN Police personnel and the rise of Protection of Civilians mandates in UN peace operations.
The SG proposes to make the peace and security pillar more coherent, nimble and effective through a “whole-of-pillar” approach by aligning the peace and security pillar more closely with the development and human rights pillars.
Ken Inoue, one of UNITAR Advisory Board members, reports on UNITAR`s pre-deployment training program for military personnel and formed police units assigned to UN Peacekeeping operations.
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono voted for the resolution as it would be a powerful engine to advance the UN reform efforts and explained the importance of capacity building of UN peacekeepers.
Ambassador Yoshifumi Okamura, Representative of the Government of Japan for the International Peace and Stability, will deliver the keynote speech on “New Challenges for Peace Operations in Africa”.
Well planned and organized seminar is attended by 30-40 participants who asked about the changing roles of Japan in UN peace operations.
Minister Pereira`s appointment signifies PM Alkatiri and CNRT Leader Xanana Gusmao`s willingness to make a prudent approach in addressing Timor-Leste needs: peace, stability and accountable governance.
Hasegawa expresses his hope that Prime Minister Alkatiri can succeed in not only governing the country peacefully but also transforming it into a self-reliant country without corruption.
Former Admiral and Professor of the National Defense Academy Takashi Genda explained the DPRK relies mostly in the development of nuclear and missile weapons for achieving the parity with the United States, its ultimate enemy, based on the Mutual Assurance for Destruction (MAD).
Hasegawa presents Kibeho tragedy or massacre as an unintended consequence of the protection of civilians in theory and practice.
Japanese Government Officials and Professor Hasegawa participate in the conference along with 250 specialists in PKO training from all over the world.
Hasegawa explained UN mission leader needs to be “a right person at a right time” to help national and community leaders change their mindsets and building peace. (Photo: CCCPA)
Prof. Ai Kihara-Hunt of Tokyo University elaborated on the legal development related to sexual violence during the conflict and recommended on how to better prevent further SEA by UN personnel.
UN Secretary-General: The Board represents the “surge in diplomacy for peace” and is expected to allow the United Nations to work more effectively with regional organizations, non-governmental groups and others involved in preventive diplomacy around the world.
Trump commended the Secretary General for trying to focus more on people and less on bureaucracy in order to regain the trust of the people around the world.
António Guterres’ proposes to establish a combined Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and a single department named the Department of Peace Operations to be responsible for both peacekeeping and special political missions.