“Emergency Relief in a Digitalizing World” – Conversation with UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya held at Hitotsubashi University 

On January 21, 2025, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya visited Hitotsubashi University (Chiyoda Campus) to speak at a panel discussion on “Emergency Relief in a Digital World -A Talk with UN, Donors, and Academic Leaders.” Hitotsubashi students and academic, policy, and aid community representatives attended the event.

Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya highlighted the emerging challenges in humanitarian relief operations, including climate change and social divisions. For students aspiring to a career in international aid, she stressed the importance of flexibility, a willingness to ‘step outside your comfort zone’ for challenging opportunities, and, above all, empathy for those in need.
Mr. Manabu Iimura, Director General of JICA’s International Emergency Relief Team, joined the panel and discussed the situation of Japan’s emergency assistance abroad.
Assistant Professor Sumie Nakaya introduced digital tools, such as artificial intelligence and remote sensing, to enhance crisis resilience, including natural disasters.
Professor Nobumasa Akiyama engaged the audience in a dialogue on topics such as the lack of diplomatic solutions for protracted crises and the need to harness technology for lifesaving efforts. 

See ASG Musya’s X post on the Hitotsubashi event.
https://x.com/JoyceMsuya/status/1881614778449473655