JAPAN’S AMBASSADOR ATTENDS THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF UNRWA-UNSSC LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAMME-PHASE TWO
2026/3/5
On 12 February 2026, Ambassador of Japan to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, ASARI Hideki, Ambassador of attended the graduation ceremony for the second phase of the 'Leadership Excellence and Accountability Programme(LEAP)' by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and in partnership with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), funded by the Government of Japan.
Launched in August 2024, the LEAP programme has been aiming to continue enhancing the capabilities of UNRWA’s frontline managers with a particular focus on accountability, neutrality, operational excellence, and gender responsiveness in line with the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. Following the successful completion of the first phase, the second phase began in August 2025, featuring a larger group of participants and improvements to the programme.
In his remarks, Ambassador Asari underscored the vital role which UNRWA plays in delivering humanitarian assistance, healthcare, education, and other essential services to Palestine refugees. He also highlighted Japan’s unwavering support for the agency, referring to the recent supplementary budget in year 2025 that increased funding for UNRWA by 25% compared to previous year. He further emphasized the values of leadership, accountability, and commitment as vital values for the continued success of UNRWA's mission, commending the dedication of participants to bring hope and dignity to the Palestinian refugees.
From UNRWA, Deputy Commissioner-General (Programmes and Partnerships), Ms. Natalie Boucly, expressed her gratitude to Japan for its generous support to UNRWA, including through the LEAP Programme. She emphasized the importance of this initiative, which is already demonstrating meaningful results: by strengthening the leadership and management capacities of UNRWA’s frontline managers, Japan is directly contributing to enhancing the Agency’s accountability, transparency, and overall effectiveness. At this critical moment for the Agency, equipping frontline managers with the tools needed to deliver UNRWA’s public-like services—while upholding UN values and humanitarian principles—represents a vital strategic investment. She encouraged the programme’s graduates to apply and share the knowledge and skills they have gained, translating learning into measurable action and leading by example in their respective roles.”
Mr. Olaf Becker, Director of the Jordan Field Office, underscored that the completion of the second cycle of LEAP comes at a particularly challenging time for the Agency, stressing that leadership must extend beyond certification and strengthened skills to encompass solidarity and a shared commitment to uphold UNRWA’s mandate and ensure the continued delivery of essential services to Palestine Refugees. He noted that difficult operational and financial decisions have required resilience at all levels, and emphasized that leadership grounded in unity, clarity and compassion will be essential in the months ahead. He expressed his sincere appreciation to UNRWA staff and colleagues for stepping forward as leaders and for their dedication and extraordinary efforts in serving Palestine Refugees under increasingly difficult circumstances.
Launched in August 2024, the LEAP programme has been aiming to continue enhancing the capabilities of UNRWA’s frontline managers with a particular focus on accountability, neutrality, operational excellence, and gender responsiveness in line with the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. Following the successful completion of the first phase, the second phase began in August 2025, featuring a larger group of participants and improvements to the programme.
In his remarks, Ambassador Asari underscored the vital role which UNRWA plays in delivering humanitarian assistance, healthcare, education, and other essential services to Palestine refugees. He also highlighted Japan’s unwavering support for the agency, referring to the recent supplementary budget in year 2025 that increased funding for UNRWA by 25% compared to previous year. He further emphasized the values of leadership, accountability, and commitment as vital values for the continued success of UNRWA's mission, commending the dedication of participants to bring hope and dignity to the Palestinian refugees.
From UNRWA, Deputy Commissioner-General (Programmes and Partnerships), Ms. Natalie Boucly, expressed her gratitude to Japan for its generous support to UNRWA, including through the LEAP Programme. She emphasized the importance of this initiative, which is already demonstrating meaningful results: by strengthening the leadership and management capacities of UNRWA’s frontline managers, Japan is directly contributing to enhancing the Agency’s accountability, transparency, and overall effectiveness. At this critical moment for the Agency, equipping frontline managers with the tools needed to deliver UNRWA’s public-like services—while upholding UN values and humanitarian principles—represents a vital strategic investment. She encouraged the programme’s graduates to apply and share the knowledge and skills they have gained, translating learning into measurable action and leading by example in their respective roles.”
Mr. Olaf Becker, Director of the Jordan Field Office, underscored that the completion of the second cycle of LEAP comes at a particularly challenging time for the Agency, stressing that leadership must extend beyond certification and strengthened skills to encompass solidarity and a shared commitment to uphold UNRWA’s mandate and ensure the continued delivery of essential services to Palestine Refugees. He noted that difficult operational and financial decisions have required resilience at all levels, and emphasized that leadership grounded in unity, clarity and compassion will be essential in the months ahead. He expressed his sincere appreciation to UNRWA staff and colleagues for stepping forward as leaders and for their dedication and extraordinary efforts in serving Palestine Refugees under increasingly difficult circumstances.