GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN DELEGATION VISIT
A delegation from the Government of Japan visited the Humanitarian Peace Support School, led by Mr. Shunichi Inoue, Director, Security Cooperation Division Foreign Policy Bureau. He was accompanied Mr. Hironori Suzuki, Director, Second Africa Division, African Affairs Department, Ms. Miwa Isozaki, Officer, Security Cooperation Division, Foreign Policy Bureau, and Ms. Noriko Kobayashi, Head of Politics section, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Kenya.
The delegation was received by the Director IPSTC Major General C L Mwazighe, and the Commandant HPSS, Brigadier C Mundui. The visit formed part of ongoing engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation and enhancing capacity building in support of international peace operations.
During the visit, the delegation was taken through a comprehensive briefing on the mandate of the institution, its training programmes, and its role in preparing personnel for peace support operations. Discussions highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships in strengthening operational readiness and enhancing the quality of training delivered to peacekeepers preparing for deployment.
The delegation further observed the ongoing Intermediate Machine Operations Course which is sponsored by Japan through the United Nations Triangular Partnership Programme, where trainees are equipped with essential technical and operational skills required to support peacekeeping missions.
The visit emphasized the vital role of continued partnership in advancing skills and expertise for peace support operations, reinforcing the Centre’s standing as a leading regional hub for peacekeeping training and global collaboration.
During the outreach, IPSTC staff conducted awareness and mentorship sessions addressing key issues such as protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, digital safety, and reporting mechanisms for violence and abuse. The sessions were delivered through interactive discussions designed to create awareness while encouraging the children to confidently speak up and seek support when faced with challenges.
In addition, the staff held a general talk centered on the theme “Give to Gain,” encouraging the values of kindness, generosity, and supporting one another within the community. The day was also filled with games and lively interactions that created a joyful environment and strengthened the bond between the staff and the children.
Speaking during the outreach, Commandant PCSS Colonel E Ngigi, emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and investing in the wellbeing of young people. She noted that empowering children with knowledge, guidance, and positive values plays a vital role in shaping confident and responsible individuals.
The event highlighted the importance of community engagement and the impact of collective action in nurturing and empowering young minds. IPSTC reaffirms its commitment to supporting communities and promoting positive change beyond the institution.
During the visit, the Ambassador was taken through a comprehensive briefing on the mandate of the institution, its training programmes, and the institution’s contribution to preparing personnel for peace support operations. Discussions also focused on existing capacity gaps and opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Switzerland and the training institution to further strengthen operational readiness for peace missions.
In his remarks, the Director of IPSTC highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships in advancing the Centre’s mission of building the capacity of peace support personnel across the region and beyond.The Ambassador commended the institution for its role in advancing professional training for peace operations and reiterated Switzerland’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance global peace and security.
The Ambassador observed the ongoing Heavy Equipment Engineering Intermediate Course under UNTPP, which is currently being delivered by a Swiss instructor. The programme, which focuses on enhancing engineering and operational support capabilities for peacekeeping missions, reflects the collaborative efforts between the United Nations and member states to strengthen the technical capacity of troop-contributing countries.
