ISLAMABAD: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has announced the appointment of Ms. Noriko Takagi as its new Representative in Pakistan. Ms. Takagi, who arrived in the country earlier this month, succeeds Ms. Philippa Candler in this role.

According to United Nations Pakistan, Ms. Takagi brings nearly three decades of experience in humanitarian and protection responses, program management, and partnership-building across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Her career includes significant roles at the UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva. Prior to her current appointment, Ms. Takagi served as the UNHCR Representative in Myanmar from 2023 to 2026. Her extensive experience also includes positions such as Senior Programme Coordinator at UNHCR’s Regional Bureau in Bangkok, Deputy Representative in Myanmar, and Senior Regional Programme Officer in Budapest.

Ms. Takagi has held field positions in Tanzania and Nepal and worked with development organizations in Uganda before joining UNHCR in 1997. In a statement, she expressed enthusiasm for her new role in Pakistan, highlighting her commitment to working closely with the government and UNHCR’s partners to support refugees and asylum-seekers.