Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, TSUJI Kiyoto, met with Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie, the UNDP’s Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, on August 23. The meeting, lasting around 30 minutes, was held during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting.
Minister Tsuji acknowledged the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) long-standing contribution to the TICAD process, recognizing its role as a co-organizer from the early stages. Ms. Eziakonwa emphasized the importance of TICAD as a platform for building multilateral partnerships with Africa.
The discussion focused on Africa’s development, particularly human resource development for the next generation, with both sides agreeing on the critical role UNDP plays in this area. The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to further strengthen Japan-UNDP relations as they prepare for TICAD 9 next year.
