News Desk
ISLAMABAD: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has appointed Ms. Noriko Takagi as its new Representative in Pakistan, bringing nearly three decades of experience in humanitarian assistance, refugee protection and international development to the role.
Takagi arrived in Pakistan earlier this month to assume her new responsibilities, succeeding Ms. Philippa Candler, according to a UNHCR press release issued on Monday.
Noriko Takagi Brings Nearly 30 Years of Humanitarian Experience
Takagi has almost 30 years of professional experience in humanitarian and protection responses, programme management and partnership development across Asia, Africa and Europe. Her career has also included assignments at UNHCR headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Before her appointment in Pakistan, she served as UNHCR Representative in Myanmar from 2023 to 2026.
Her previous positions include Senior Programme Coordinator at UNHCR’s Regional Bureau in Bangkok, Deputy Representative in Myanmar and Senior Regional Programme Officer in Budapest.
She has also served in field positions in Tanzania and Nepal. Before joining UNHCR in 1997, Takagi worked with development organisations in Uganda.
New UNHCR Representative Vows to Support Refugees in Pakistan
Commenting on her appointment, Takagi expressed enthusiasm about her new role and reaffirmed her commitment to working with the Pakistani government and UNHCR’s partners to address the needs of refugees and asylum-seekers.
“I am very excited to take up my new role in Pakistan and look forward to working closely with the Government and UNHCR’s partners to support refugees and asylum-seekers,” she said.
She expressed confidence that continued cooperation would strengthen efforts to address protection needs and help refugees find sustainable solutions for a better future.
UNHCR’s Role in Supporting Refugees in Pakistan
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, works with governments and humanitarian partners to protect refugees, asylum-seekers and other people in need of international protection.
Takagi’s appointment comes as the agency continues its work with Pakistani authorities and partner organisations to support refugee protection and identify solutions for displaced populations.
Her extensive international experience in programme coordination, humanitarian operations and partnership-building is expected to contribute to UNHCR’s ongoing engagement with the government and humanitarian stakeholders in Pakistan.
