South Sudan: Achievements & Challenges - 86th UNITAR Hiroshima Public Session

20 January 2016, Tokyo, Japan - The 86th UNITAR Hiroshima Public Session on the topic of "South Sudan: Achievements and Challenges" was successfully held at the United Nations University, Tokyo on Wednesday, 20 January. Organized on the occasion of the second workshop of the UNITAR South Sudan Fellowship Programme being held in Tokyo and Hiroshima, Japan, the session was attended by over 90 people, including members of diplomatic missions, international and NGO organizations, and the local community.

The public session featured six experts from goverment, international and NGO organizations. The moderator was Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Head of UNITAR Hiroshima. The panelists included:

Kenzo Oshima, Former ambassador to the UN; Former UN Under-Secretary-General in charge of Humanitarian Affairs; Managing Director of the Africa Society of Japan
Atsushi Hanatani, Executive Advisor to the Director General, Director of Office for Peacebuilding and Reconstruction, Infrastructure and Peacebuilding Department, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Atsushi Kuwabara, Director, First Africa Division, African Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Hiroko Hirahara, State Coordinator, Eastern Equatoria State, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
Ryo Kakutani, Programme Coordinator, Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR Japan)
Emmanuel Ayume Benjamin, UNITAR Fellow Representative, Office of the President, Republic of South Sudan

UNITAR Hiroshima Public Session - South Sudan Each panelist delivered a short presentation on their experience in South Sudan. The diverse backgrounds of the panelists allowed for a broad picture and understanding of South Sudan's achievements and challenges to emerge.

Following the presentations, a panel discussion was held, which explored a range of key issues, including what elements are necessary to implement the peace agreement successfully; what economic diversification can do to ensure sustainable development in South Sudan; and what role should international organizations and foreign governments play in assisting South Sudan in the future.

A full report exploring the issues and concepts identified in the public session will be published by the Hiroshima Office.

The public session was covered by RCC Broadcasting.

The public session was kindly supported by the Rotary International District 2750, Rotary Club of Tokyo Yoneyama Yuai and Rotary E-Club of District 2750, Tokyo Yoneyama.

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