From Business Operations to Adaptive Leadership: Akiko Hasegawa’s Inspiring Journey from Japan to the World
- Akiko Hasegawa joined the FY2024 Mid-Career Course of the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The Course was held in Hiroshima, Japan, in January 2025. Hiroshima University is commissioned to implement the Program, in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
- After gaining finance and operations experience in the private sector, Akiko entered the United Nations system as a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Her experience includes serving as Programme Analyst in the CFO’s Office at UNDP Headquarters, Head of Finance in Afghanistan Country Office, and most recently, Operations Specialist at the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, supporting the country offices across Asia and the Pacific.
- She was motivated to join the Mid-Career Course to transition from a tactical role to a more strategic one, aiming for career advancement to a senior position and seeing herself as a future leader through a mindset shift.
- After completing the course, she succeeded in applying for the post of Finance Officer at the World Bank.
July 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – “The one-week course [of the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development] was intense yet engaging, providing an opportunity to reflect on my career journey thus far…This experience, along with connecting with global cohorts, will undoubtedly be an asset in my long-term career,” says Akiko Hasegawa, Finance Officer in the Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning (BPS) Vice Presidency at the World Bank. She joined the Bank in early 2025 in pursuit of her goal to strengthen results on the ground by enhancing the efficiency of the financial and operations management, which she believes will ultimately contribute to a better world.
Akiko started her career in the private sector and joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2018 as a Junior Professional Officer.
She enjoyed the evolution of her responsibilities, from junior-level to mid-level leadership, including managing teams and engaging with more diverse stakeholders. As she looked ahead, she felt the need for a breakthrough to transition from mid-level to senior leadership – a shift that would require not only new skills but also a different mindset. At the same time, changes in her personal life encouraged her to explore a new working style.
I’ve always dedicated myself fully to my work and truly enjoy what I do …However, thinking ahead, I began to feel that a change in my working style and mindset would be necessary – one that would allow me to continue contributing meaningfully without compromising on other important aspects of life. People say, career is like a marathon, not a sprint, and I wanted to reflect on what that truly means in my own context.
Akiko Hasegawa,
Mid-Career Course alum of
the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and developement, Japan
Akiko felt she would need to shift her mindset, but day-to-day responsibilities left little time to reflect on her future.
She then had an opportunity to join the Mid-Career Course, part of the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, held in Hiroshima, Japan, in January 2025. Hiroshima University implemented the Program, in collaboration with UNITAR.
During the week-long course, she found herself reflecting deeply: What am I aiming for, what do I want to be in the near future, and what are my values and priorities to make it happen?
Develop and Adjust Leadership Style
Not only the course architect but also the diverse cohort of Program Associates with different backgrounds gave her new perspectives. Peers and facilitators posed different role models and shared practical insights.
I learned that everyone has their own leadership style – there is no single ‘right’ approach. Some [Course participants] are visionary leaders, while others may be less vocal but lead by example. I also realized that many of the struggles that other colleagues faced were similar to my own
Akiko Hasegawa,
Mid-Career Course alum of
the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and developement, Japan
She realized that leadership styles can vary and that her own style could evolve through practice and reflection. The course helped her confront her perfectionist tendencies and begin to embrace a more adaptive leadership style, which will prepare her to lead larger and more diverse teams in the future.
Leverage New Skills to Advance A Career
Other takeaways were new approaches and soft skills that could be used in her workplace, such as the strategic foresight skills that the UN 2.0 depicts. The UN 2.0 policy brief, published in 2023, sets out a vision of how the UN can foster a forward-thinking culture and cutting-edge skills. She is also keen to strengthen her public speaking skills, not only on subjects she is familiar with, but also to articulate broader visions and engage with unfamiliar areas. This, she believes, will help her lead and inspire diverse teams, foster innovation, and drive strategic initiatives.
During the mock interviews which were conducted during the course, she became more aware of her own habits and practiced speaking with greater confidence and clarity.
This mock interview was a very precious moment – it required intensive preparation, but I received constructive feedback from the experienced practitioners and coaches. That gave me some confidence, and I hope to build on that going forward,” says Akiko. “This program was truly worth the investment – unless you invest, you won’t discover anything new. Every moment offered a new perspective and was a valuable opportunity.
Akiko Hasegawa,
Mid-Career Course alum of
the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and developement, Japan
Looking at the Future
While Akiko has not yet mapped out her exact career path, she hopes to grow into a leadership role, drawing on her experience and expertise in finance and operations.
I am committed to contributing sustainable development via impactful financial strategy and effective business operations. I try to be the person who drives our operations to become more efficient and effective, so that we can deliver more to the beneficiaries. And in the end, I truly believe it will help make the world a better place.
Akiko Hasegawa,
Mid-Career Course alum of
the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and developement, Japan
About this Program
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has implemented its human resource development programme in peacebuilding since 2007. In the 2015 fiscal year, “The Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development” was launched to comprehensively conduct the discovery, development and career-building of human resources. For three years starting from April 2024, Hiroshima University will manage and operate the Program as the new implementing body, in cooperation with UNITAR.
About Hiroshima University
Hiroshima University was founded in 1949 in Hiroshima City, the site of the first atomic bombing in human history. Guided by its Charter, Hiroshima University is committed to respecting the human rights and individuality of each person and to fostering human resources that will contribute to the realization of a free, peaceful, and sustainable society. It also aims to be a university which is open to and trusted by society, thereby contributing to the local and international community. Furthermore, Hiroshima University is leading the world in providing cutting-edge solutions to global issues. Find out more at https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en.
About UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. In 2024, UNITAR trained over 550,000 learners around the world to support their actions for a better future. UNITAR has a global presence, with offices in Geneva, Hiroshima, New York and Bonn and networks around the world. Find out more at www.unitar.org
