On April 24 Andrew Saberton, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), paid a courtesy call to the Hibiya Office of PHD/PEX in Tokyo as part of his first visit to Japan. UNFPA was founded in 1969 as the United Nation's agency to protect sexual and reproductive health rights. Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Panasonic's involvement with this agency started in 2021 with cooperation in a project to donate around 2,000 solar lanterns to help women's independence in areas without electricity in Kenya. This project will continue this fiscal year in Kenya and South Sudan. Deputy Executive Director Saberton was joined by Pio Smith, UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Director, and Eiko Narita, Chief of the UNFPA Tokyo Representation Office. They were welcomed by General Manager Akiyo Domoto, Corporate Citizenship Office, Panasonic Holdings Corporation, and discussed issues together.
Andrew Saberton (center), Deputy Executive Director of UNFPA, pays a courtesy call to our office
The UNFPA members noted the great importance of the Panasonic LIGHT UP THE FUTURE project to provide support for areas without electricity in Kenya, where so many women and girls live in harsh environments. They also noted need for the solar lanterns in Asia.
Donation ceremony in cooperation with UNFPA in Kenya in 2021
Project report by UNFPA summarizing results of monitor surveys, etc.
Panasonic will continue to work with UNFPA and other NPOs, NGOs, and international organizations to bring light to areas without electricity, create opportunities for education, health, and increased income, and contribute to creating sustainable societies free of poverty.
<Related links>
・LIGHT UP THE FUTURE project website
・UNFPA's website: April 21-25 UNFPA Deputy Executive Director (Management) Visits Japan
