Sumitomo Corporation receives courtesy visit by Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States

Mr. Mourad Wahba, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) made a visit to Sumitomo Corporation’s head office in Harumi, Tokyo on June 28, 2017. He discussed with Executive Vice President Naoki Hidaka the partnership among the UNDP, Sumitomo Corporation and its associated company Toyota Iraq.

In Iraq, prolonged conflicts have caused tremendous damage to its people, displacing more than three million citizens thus far. The situation is particularly difficult for young people, who have been deprived of opportunities for education and employment. Immediate support, therefore, is urgently needed to provide these youth with sustainable income opportunities to help them restore their livelihood. Under this circumstance, Toyota Iraq, in partnership with the UNDP, has already implemented two vocational training projects for internally displaced persons, with a third one currently being undertaken.

Mr. Wahba stated that a partnership between the UNDP and Toyota Iraq would play a key role in efforts to support their livelihood reconstruction through empowerment. He said, "UNDP is proud to work with Toyota Iraq in the implementation of this successful vocational training and job placement programme. It will help displaced Iraqi youth rebuild their lives."

Sumitomo Corporation and Toyota Iraq are committed to continuing this partnership with the UNDP to support Iraqi youth in creating a brighter future.