Lessons in Peacebuilding and Development from Japan to Leadership in Mali: Jacques Dembele
- Jacques Dembele, from Mali, is a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at UNDP Guinea-Bissau.
- He participated in the Primary Course of the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development, held in January and February 2025 both online and in Hiroshima and Tokyo, Japan.
- Jacques was motivated to join the course by his desire to learn about peacebuilding and development from Japan, a country he admires as a global advocate for peace.
- His time in Hiroshima and the course experience fuelled his commitment to continue contributing to peacebuilding and development efforts.
- The Program is implemented by Hiroshima University in collaboration with UNITAR, commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
June 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – Jacques Dembele is a Monitoring and Evaluation officer at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Guinea-Bissau, where he works to promote democracy, health, economic development and climate change. He joined the Primary Course of the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development to further his skills for a career in international organizations.
The Primary Course of the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development
The Primary Course of the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development aims to strengthen the practical skills, knowledge and competencies of junior professionals who aspire to a career in international organizations. The course welcomed 23 talented participants from 11 countries, regions and organizations in January and February 2025 for online training followed by an intensive in-person training in Hiroshima and Tokyo, Japan.
The Program is implemented by Hiroshima University in collaboration with UNITAR, commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Transforming His Understanding of Peacebuilding and Development
Through the course, Jacques deepened his understanding of the complexities of peacebuilding and development. He especially came to recognize the critical importance of communication and negotiation skills, which were emphasized throughout the course. He also learned what it means to be a leader and the vital role leadership plays in driving peacebuilding efforts.
“I thought I was coming here to learn about peacebuilding and development. But when I started, I realized, before talking about peacebuilding… there are so many elements to consider – how to develop the programme, how to implement, how to monitor.”
Jacques Dembele,
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer,
UNDP Guinea-Bissau
Witnessing Resilience: Reflections from Hiroshima
For Jacques, visiting Hiroshima was a dream come true. Having studied the city’s history and the devastating impact of the atomic bomb since his youth, seeing the city with his own eyes was a profound and emotional experience. He was especially inspired by the testimony of a hibakusha – an atomic bombing survivor – and her unwavering dedication to peace, despite her age and past suffering.
Witnessing how Hiroshima has rebuilt itself and emerged as a global symbol of peace renewed Jacques’s sense of purpose and commitment to continue working for peace and development.
Driving Change with New Insights: Through UNDP and His Community
Having completed the course, Jacque is now intent on putting his new knowledge into practice, particularly in designing, implementing and monitoring peacebuilding programmes. He aims to create impactful projects with clear indicators and systems that effectively support those most in need.
Beyond his professional role, Jacques also seeks to build peace within his immediate circle – family, community and society – believing that true leadership starts at home. He plans to use active listening to empower others and foster open dialogue.
“I will try to build peace around me. I’m talking about family, the community and society. Leadership is the same, it is not only for the workplace, but also for family and community as well.”
Jacques Dembele,
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer,
UNDP Guinea-Bissau
The original article can be read on the website of the Global Peace and Development Career Network, Hiroshima University.
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