Kazuko Hasegawa, Program Officer, Ecosystems Department, Part 2, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) January 9, 2021 (Japan time))

≪Yokohama International Human Resource Development Project≫

―Lectures for university students in Yokohama by Japanese staff of the United Nations -

Kazuko Hasegawa, Program Officer, Ecosystems Department, Part 2, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) January 9, 2021 (Japan time).

●Date and time of implementation:
21:00 to 23:20 on Saturday, January 9, 2021 Japan Time Reiwa 3 (Saturday)
(Saturday, January 9, 2021, Nairobi Time 15:00 to 17:20)
(Saturday, January 9, 2021, NY time from 07:00 to 09:20)

●Speaker:
Marine and Freshwater Bureau, Ecosystem Department, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
World Action Plan (GPA) Unit on the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land Activities
International Partnership for Marine Waste (GPML)
Ms. Kanako Hasegawa, Program Management Officer
※At the time of the lecture: Member of UNEP Nairobi Division
(Currently) Environmental Specialist, World Bank

●Method of implementation: Online

●Participant: 16 students from Yokohama City University Faculty of International Science, Faculty of Liberal Arts, and Faculty of International Commerce

●Teacher in charge: Associate Professor Takashi Yoshinaga, Faculty of International Commerce, Yokohama City University
　　Associate Professor Makoto Seta, Faculty of Liberal Arts

●Contents of the lecture:
①United Nations and Environmental Policy
－The work of the UNEP Secretariat
－Marine trash
－United Nations General Assembly on Environment (UNEA), Experts Meeting (AHEG)
②"How to work in the United Nations"

At the lecture, Mr. Hasegawa first spoke on the theme of "United Nations and Environmental Policy," the outline of his organization, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and the unique role of the United Nations in the field of environmental conservation. He talked about the environment, especially marine trash.
As a specific example, as an example of a multilateral consensus-building process on marine debris, the Secretariat explained what kind of work is being carried out up to the "resolution" at the General Assembly, including discussions at the United Nations General Assembly on the Environment (UNEA3) and the Experts' Meeting on Marine Plastics and Microplastics (AHEG), as well as negotiations on the draft resolutions.
He also spoke about the importance of UNEP's new projects to combat marine debris, support for the creation of action plans, and awareness-raising activities.
In the Q & A session on specialized fields, the participating students said, "In order to promote the gradual elimination of avoidable plastic products, it is important to raise awareness of environmental issues, especially in developing countries, what do you think?" "Why does UNEA resolution seem to emphasize future emission control (reduction) rather than the disposal of plastic that has already been spilled out?"
I had a question like that.

In the second half of the lecture, the lecturer talked about his own career. Mr. Hasegawa frankly talked about his high interest in the environmental field, studying environmental studies at overseas universities, how his experience at private companies and the Overseas Youth Cooperation Volunteers helped his current career, including internships at UNEP, and above all, the work environment in each department, and the importance of continuing to challenge.
In the question-and-answer session on careers, the participating students said, "What do you consider when making decisions that will be a major turning point in life, such as resigning from a private company or entering a graduate school in a foreign country?" There was a question such as "What is the relationship between Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and experience in private companies?"

A total of 16 students from Yokohama City University's Faculty of International Science, the Faculty of Liberal Arts, and the Faculty of International Commerce participated in this lecture.

At a later date, the student said
"I came to think that it would be nice to have a few years of working for an international organization in my future career." "This valuable opportunity is hard to experience in everyday life, so it was a very important experience in thinking about my life." I was vaguely aware that UN officials are working for the world, but I was able to understand specifically what and how they are helping, and very clearly understand the significance of working for international organizations." "Mr. Hasegawa's words, 'If you take responsibility for your life, you can correct as much as you want,' are so powerful that I felt that my future options should not be narrowed down at any time."
I had such comments.