Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan – 19–22 August 2025 – IIJ Executive Secretary Steven Hill undertook a strategic mission to Japan ahead of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), engaging in a series of high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings to advance the Institute’s mandate of strengthening rule of law–based responses to terrorism.
Japan has long been a leader in advancing capacity-building efforts globally, supporting initiatives that strengthen the rule of law, promote peace and stability, and enhance the effectiveness of criminal justice systems in countering terrorism. Building on this leadership, Mr Hill held a key bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr Minami Hiroyuki, Ambassador in charge of International Cooperation for Countering Terrorism and International Organised Crime, to discuss the importance of international cooperation and shared priorities. He also met with Mr Koichi Warisawa, Director at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to strengthen collaboration on criminal justice and counter-terrorism initiatives.
In addition, he engaged with senior officials at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), including Mr Taro Moringa, Advisor on Legal and Judicial Development, Ms Yoko Kotoura, Director, Law and Justice team, Governance and Peacebuilding Dept, Ms Hitomi Maruyama, Deputy Director, Law and Justice Team Governance and Peacebuilding Department.
In Yokohama, ES Hill had the honour of joining H.E. Iwaya Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, alongside international organisation heads including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He shared a brief about IIJ’s plans work and strategic objectives, reaffirming our commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Further discussions with Mr Yoshimitsu Yamauchi, Director of UNAFEI, built on the 2023 Memorandum of Cooperation and reinforced UNAFEI’s valuable support for the IIJ through expertise exchange and engagement in global justice and counter-terrorism initiatives.
ES Hill also met with Dr Khalid Koser, Executive Director of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), underscoring the IIJ’s institutional partnership with GCERF and highlighting a forthcoming joint project taking place later this year.
At TICAD, Mr Hill attended a variety of sessions that underlined the importance of peace and stability in driving development, underscoring that these goals must be firmly grounded in a strong rule of law framework. Since its launch in 1993, TICAD has played a crucial role in mobilising international support, advancing ownership among African partners, and promoting priorities such as peace, stability, and institution-building.
During TICAD9, Mr Hill had the honour of meeting the Prime Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs H.E. Musalia Mudavadi and the Solicitor General of Kenya H.E. Shadrack J. Mose for a constructive discussion highlighting the IIJ’s strong partnership with Kenya. The discussions focused on our shared strategic vision: strengthening criminal justice systems, fostering accountability, and promoting coordinated efforts to address new and complex challenges collectively.
The IIJ looks forward to future opportunities to collaborate and continue supporting communities in advancing justice and security along with our solid partners worldwide.