On 29 May 2025, Ms. Ishigaki attended the ITS Asia Pacific Forum held in Suwon, Republic of Korea, where she introduced UN-Habitat’s approach to sustainable transportation including support for sustainable transportation planning, e-transport, TOD and road safety at the Executive Session “Shifting to Green Transport: Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Solutions,” where representatives from public, private and academic sectors across the world shared challenges, impactful projects and future directions.

Ms. Ishigaki visited Mr. Christopher Pablo, Senior Urban Specialist at the World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC). 

They confirmed their intention to strengthen collaboration and discussed the possibility of organizing a joint conference that leverages both parties’ expertise in sustainable urban development.

Ms. Ishigaki was invited to the event “Human Centered-Cities: Innovating for a Better Quality of Life” held at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at the 2025 World Expo (Osaka-Kansai Expo). She introduced the “Quality of Life Initiative Program” that UN-Habitat has been implementing together with the Saudi Arabian Government.

In Kobe City, Ms. Ishigaki was invited to the International Training Workshop on Smart Cities in Asia and the Pacific hosted by the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD). She delivered presentations on International Guideline on People-centered Smart City and on UN-Habitat projects in Asia and the Pacific. It was an opportunity to have a meaningful exchange of views with 20 experts, including mayors and deputy mayors, from 11 cities in five countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Ms.  Ishigaki attended at the BIG IDEAS: SDGs Dialogue Series (online) hosted by the United Nations University, where she delivered a speech introducing UN-Habitat’s initiatives toward sustainable urban development.

After the speech, in a dialogue with Dr. Sawako Shirahase, Senior Vice-Rector of the United Nations University, she had an in-depth discussion including the importance of combining operational projects with normative activities, and challenge of better balancing private and public interests in public-private collaboration.

Mr. Matsuo, President and CEO of Daiken Co., Ltd. (Center of the front row in the photo) visited our office. We discussed further opportunities of their technical cooperation on ‘TAMETOTTO (water storage method)’ and beyond.

We felt empowered by their passion and dedication to contribute to the World.