The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Mr. Filippo Grandi, will visit Japan from Wednesday 8 August to Friday 10 August. His visit aims to deepen ties between UNRWA and Japan, strengthening its support and promoting the Japanese public’s understanding of Palestine refugees.

During his visit, Mr. Grandi will have discussions with the Japanese government officials and media, attend a symposium focusing on Palestine refugees under the drastic changes in the Middle East and the role of UNRWA and Japan. The details are as follows.

Symposium: “Japan-UNRWA and Palestine Refugees in a Changing Middle East”

Time/Date: 16:00-18:15, Wednesday, 8 August 2012
[*Doors open at 15:30. Iftar Reception 18:30-19:30 (RSVP required)]

Venue: International Conference Hall, 17th floor, Building No.2, Yotsuya Campus, Sophia University
Please see: http://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/info/access/directions/access_yotsuya

Language: English (*A simultanious interpretation will be provided.)

Fee: Free of charge

Organized by: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Sophia University, The Middle East Research Institute (MERI), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Panelists (tbc):
– Mr. Filippo Grandi, UNRWA Commissioner-General
– Ministry of Foreign Affairs
– Ms. Sadako Ogata, Special Advisor to the President, JICA
– Dr. Masatoshi Kisaichi, Professor, Sophia University
– Mr. Ryoji Tateyama, Professor, National Defense Academy
– Dr. Tatsuo Arima, President, MERI (*moderator)

Registration: Please register your attendance at The Middle East Research Institute by sending an email to mideastij@hotmail.com with your interest of participating in the reception.

Inquiry: The Middle East Research Institute/ Ms. Nakajima and Ms. Ezaki (Tel: 03-3371-5798)

*For journalists who wish to have an individual interview during Commissioner-General’s visit, please contact:

– Nozomu KAMIYA (Mr.) Senior External Relations and Projects Officer UNRWA, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
Phone: +972 (2) 589 0242 / Mobile: +972 (54) 240 2636 / Fax: +972 (2) 589 0427
E-mail: n.kamiya@unrwa.org

* Contacts available during his stay in Japan (from 6 August) Mobile: 090-2436-6047 / E-mail: nkamiyajp@docomo.ne.jp

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