Japan Hosts a Side Event in the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security

On 29 October 2024, the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) hosted a side event for the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) held at the PICC in Pasay City.

The side event titled “Human Security towards a Resilient BARMM – Japan’s Approach in Promoting WPS Focusing on Health” highlighted the human security initiatives of Japan that address women’s health needs including improved maternal and child health service and nutrition, and promote women empowerment, as a means of achieving peace and prosperity in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Part of the event’s program was Exchange of Notes between the Government of Japan and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for “The Project for the Protection and Empowerment of Women for Addressing Women's Health Needs and Responding to Gender-based Violence in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”

Furthermore, the event included the launching of “The Project Strengthening Services in Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Improvement in the BARMM” – a Technical Cooperation Project through the JICA Philippines Office.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management, Minister Kadil Sinolinding, Jr. of the Ministry of Health – BARMM, Minister Raissa Jajurie of the Ministry of Social Services and Development – BARMM, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr., Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Country Representative Leila Saiji Joudane of UNFPA Philippines, Mr. OCHIAI Naoyuki Senior Advisor(Mindanao Peace Process) of JICA Headquarters and Senior Advisor to the Chief Minister of BARMM , and Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema of JICA Philippines Office.

In his speech, Ambassador Endo expressed his delight for the launch of the two projects that complements the Philippines’ National Action Plan on WPS. By leveraging on Japan’s expertise and resources, he hopes to reinforce BARMM’s nutrition and health structures and increase women’s resilience to social, economic, and disaster risks.