▼Seminar

 

Mr. Dirk Hebecker▲　　　

On December 3, 2018 (Monday), at the Kyoto University Higashi Ichijo-kan Lecture Room (201), UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) Representative in Japan, Mr. Dirk Hebecker made his lecture for Kyoto University students as GSAIS 2018 1st Special International Seminar entitled “Global Displacement and UNHCR —Job Opportunities at UN/UNHCR—”.
 
Mr. Hebecker has entered the UNHCR after working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany and has over 20 years of humanitarian assistance experience in various parts of the world including Vietnam, Georgia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UNHCR Headquarters (Geneva). He was the representative of UNHCR Korea before Japan.
 
At the seminar, he started with the positioning and history of UNHCR in the United Nations system, and explained about the present situation of refugee problems in the world and the efforts of UNHCR to tackle them. 68.5 million people worldwide, mainly in the Middle East and Africa, are displaced, the largest number after the Second World War. UNHCR is engaged in refugee support activities around the world with a budget of US $ 4.5 billion but it is far behind the business needed. UNHCR is making efforts to expand understanding of its activities and strive to secure funds including from the private sector in Japan.
 
GSAIS students are expected to participate actively in international society after graduation. Mr. Hebeker made his concrete advices to students who wish to get a job in international organizations such as,
1) to master two UN official languages besides one’s mother tongue,
2) to take duties whatever of the United Nations first as the UN internal applicants are hired to its empty posts in many cases,
3) to think about what kind of specialized field talent is required in changing society.
 
Following the lecture, a social gathering was held with participating students. Mr. Hebecker mentioned his message that as UNHCR’s activity sites are under severe conditions, so it is best to have enthusiasm (“Passion”) to support refugees in harsh environments, not seeking income and fame.
 
The seminar was a very good opportunity for students to think about their future course.