According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on November 5 twenty participants in the "Primary Course" of the FY2026 Global Human Resources Development Program for Peacebuilding and Development paid a courtesy call on a Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The Vice-Minister welcomed participants who came from various countries and regions with diverse experience, and expressed respect for their commitment to contributing to peacebuilding. He encouraged them to share experiences during the training and to find multifaceted solutions to the challenges facing the international community in pursuit of lasting peace.
The program aims to train civilian experts who can work on the front lines of peacebuilding. It is currently commissioned to Hiroshima University, with UNV in charge of overseas dispatch. Trainees began online training on October 4, started in-person training in Tokyo on November 2, and will move to Hiroshima on the 8th and continue through the 27th. The participants' countries and regions of origin include Angola, Ukraine, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Palau, Palestine, Burkina Faso, Laos and Libya.
Key points
- A training program for civilian experts who work in peacebuilding
- Participants from many countries and regions study in Tokyo and Hiroshima
- Hiroshima University and UNV cooperate on training and overseas dispatch
Why this news is worth noticing
Peacebuilding is supported not only by national representatives but also by experts who work directly with people on the ground. A place where people with different experience learn together strengthens the foundation of international cooperation.
It is also striking that part of the training takes place in Hiroshima. Like the work of NGOs and citizens, investing in people supports peace over the long term.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“It's reassuring to know that twenty people from around the world are studying peacebuilding in Japan. The move from Tokyo to Hiroshima also makes me think about what that kind of learning can mean.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I also found the Hiroshima part striking, Aoba-san. People from different countries and backgrounds sharing their experience in one place feels like a small step toward peace in itself.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Listening to you both, I think training can also be a place where bonds between people begin. I picture these peers supporting one another after they return home, and it warms my heart.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“People from around the world come to Japan to learn, then return to the field. We hope that cycle will carry on into the peacebuilding of the future.
You can read the details in the Ministry's announcement. Please take a look.”