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Dr. Clos (left) with Mr. Takata. |
Japan’s new Permanent Representative to UN-HABITAT, H.E. Mr. Toshihisa Takata, presented his credentials to the Executive Director, Dr. Joan Clos, 12 November. “We know that UN-HABITAT is doing a lot of good things and we are very grateful,” he told the Executive Director.
The Executive Director thanked Japan for funding of UN-HABITAT’s Regional Office for the Asia Pacific Region based in the Japanese city of Fukuoka and the support to the organizations programmes in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Cambodia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Somalia and Sudan.
The Executive Director, however, appealed to Japan to help the organization with non-earmarked funds and also to share its experience in the mitigation of risks arising from earthquakes. He said: “Your advance knowledge in this area will be very helpful to other countries.”
Dr. Clos also appealed to Japan to second experts in various disciplines, including advanced technologies in town planning, design and construction, to help the organization carry out its mandate.
Mr. Takata assured the Executive Director that some additional contribution should be expected from Japan and that the country will continue to support the Fukuoka Office.
Dr. Clos discussed with the envoy the issues of post-industrial society, where the population is shrinking, the life-expectancy is increasing and economic growth has reached a very high level. They noted that after economic growth, nations should be talking about how to improve the quality of life, move towards more knowledge-based industries and how to close income gaps.
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