HISTORY

Since 2007, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has supported human resource development programs in the field of peacebuilding. This initiative was launched in response to then-Foreign Minister Taro Aso’s policy speech entitled “Creating a ‘Terakoya’ for Peacebuilders.” The idea was to cultivate civilian experts from Japan and abroad who can contribute to peacebuilding efforts on the ground. Graduates of the program are currently active as staff of international organizations, NGOs, and government agencies. Building on these achievements, the program was revamped and expanded to become the “Global Human Resource Development Program for Peacebuilding and Development” in 2015.

In April 2024, Hiroshima University was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement this program.  In collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Division for Prosperity and Hiroshima Office and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program. This year, we will continue to offer the Primary Course (a blended learning training course comprised of 2 online preparatory sessions followed by four week s of in-person training in Japan); the Mid-Career Course (a one-week professional development course for those with at least seven years of practical experience in fields related to peacebuilding and development); JPO Pre-assignment Training (a 4 day online training course for Japanese nationals who have been selected to work as Junior Professional Officers in the UN); and Career Development Support activities (to support the further career development of Program graduates, as well as those who are seeking employment at international organizations involved in peacebuilding and development).