ISLAMABAD, — The Government of Japan and UNICEF have reaffirmed their decades-long partnership to advance children’s rights and improve the lives of millions of children across Pakistan through sustained investments in health, education, nutrition, child protection, and emergency response.
Japan remains one of UNICEF’s largest and longest-standing global partners. In Pakistan, the collaboration has supported critical programmes in healthcare, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), child protection, and the country’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio.
Following the devastating 2022 floods, Japan contributed US$6.48 million to UNICEF’s emergency response, helping vulnerable communities in Sindh and Balochistan gain access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, healthcare, and nutrition services while strengthening resilience against future disasters.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi, Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, described the partnership as one of the most enduring relationships in international development cooperation.
“Japan and UNICEF have walked a long road together. Our partnership is built on the shared belief that every child, regardless of where they are born or the circumstances they face, deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, safe, and dignified life,” Ambassador Akamatsu said.
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He also reaffirmed Japan’s long-standing support for Pakistan’s polio eradication programme, noting that Japanese assistance has enabled vaccination campaigns to reach millions of children, including those living in remote and hard-to-access areas.
Sharmeela Rasool, Acting UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, praised Japan’s continued commitment to improving child welfare.
“Japan has been a steadfast partner for children in Pakistan for decades. From emergency response to strengthening essential public services and supporting long-term development, Japan’s assistance has helped millions of children survive, recover and thrive,” she said.
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She added that the partnership not only addresses immediate humanitarian needs but also strengthens national systems to ensure children and families benefit from sustainable development in the years ahead.
Officials said Japan’s continued support enables uninterrupted delivery of essential services for children during emergencies while contributing to stronger, more resilient health, education, and protection systems across Pakistan.
