- Decades of cooperation continue to support healthcare, education, nutrition, sanitation and polio eradication efforts across the country
ISLAMABAD: The Government of Japan and UNICEF have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership in Pakistan, underscoring decades of cooperation aimed at protecting children’s rights and improving the lives of vulnerable children and families across the country.
Japan remains one of UNICEF’s longest-standing and largest global partners. In Pakistan, the partnership has supported a broad range of initiatives spanning health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and child protection.
has been built over decades
Over the years, Japan and UNICEF have worked together in response to major emergencies while also supporting long-term development and strengthening systems designed to improve children’s wellbeing and resilience.
$6.48 Million Support Following 2022 Floods
Japan provided US$6.48 million following Pakistan’s devastating 2022 floods to support UNICEF’s emergency response in some of the worst-affected communities in Sindh and Balochistan.
The assistance helped vulnerable children and families gain access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services, healthcare and nutrition support. It also contributed to community recovery efforts and helped strengthen resilience against future emergencies.
Japan Reaffirms Commitment to Children’s Wellbeing
Speaking on the enduring partnership, Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi emphasized that cooperation between Japan and UNICEF has been built over decades around a shared commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to live a healthy, safe and dignified life.
“Japan and UNICEF have walked a long road together. Ours is one of the most enduring partnerships in international development cooperation, built over decades on a shared belief that every child, no matter where they are born or what circumstances they are born into, deserves a fair chance at a healthy, safe, and dignified life.”
Ambassador Akamatsu added that Japan’s foreign policy is guided by the conviction that human development, particularly the wellbeing of children, is a fundamental measure of progress.
Strong Support for Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Drive
Japan has also reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, supporting vaccination campaigns that have reached millions of children, including those living in some of the country’s most remote and difficult-to-access areas.
The cooperation has played an important role in expanding access to essential health services and protecting children from preventable diseases.
UNICEF Hails Japan’s Long-Term Commitment
Sharmeela Rasool, Acting UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, praised Japan’s sustained support for children and families across the country.
“Japan has been a steadfast partner for children in Pakistan for decades. From responding to emergencies to strengthening essential services and supporting long-term development, Japan’s commitment has helped millions of children survive, recover and thrive.”
She said the partnership was addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term development priorities by helping build stronger and more resilient systems.
Building a More Resilient Future for Children
Japan’s continued investment in UNICEF-supported programmes is helping ensure that essential services remain available to children during emergencies and throughout the recovery period.
The partnership combines immediate humanitarian assistance with long-term development, helping communities recover from crises while strengthening systems that can continue to serve children and families for years to come.
The enduring Japan-UNICEF partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that Pakistan’s children—particularly those living in vulnerable and underserved communities—have greater opportunities to survive, recover, learn and thrive.
BY: The Times Union
