Islamabad: The Government of Japan and UNICEF have renewed their long-standing partnership, emphasizing decades of cooperative efforts to safeguard children’s rights in Pakistan.

According to the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, Japan stands as one of UNICEF’s most enduring and significant global partners. This collaboration in Pakistan has spanned numerous sectors, including health, nutrition, education, and child protection. The partnership has been instrumental in supporting major emergency responses and ongoing initiatives like polio eradication, while also fortifying systems that enhance the welfare of children. In the aftermath of the 2022 floods, Japan contributed $6.48 million to assist UNICEF’s emergency response efforts in Sindh and Balochistan, providing vital resources like safe drinking water, healthcare, and nutrition support to affected communities.

H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, highlighted the depth of this collaboration, stating that Japan’s foreign policy is driven by the belief that human development, particularly children’s wellbeing, is crucial for progress. He also reiterated Japan’s commitment to polio eradication through extensive vaccination campaigns.

Sharmeela Rasool, Acting UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, acknowledged Japan’s role as a steadfast partner in providing essential services and supporting long-term development for children. She emphasized that the partnership not only addresses immediate needs but also aids in building more resilient systems for the future.

Japan’s sustained contributions ensure that essential services for children persist amidst and beyond emergencies, addressing urgent humanitarian needs and fostering sustainable recovery and development.