The Secretary-General will be heading to Japan to attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, better known as TICAD. The conference is led by Japan and co-hosted by the United Nations, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank and African Union Commission (AUC). This year it will take place in Yokohama city from 20th to 22nd of August, under the theme “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa”.

In remarks he will deliver at the Opening Session of the conference, the Secretary-General will underscore the importance of TICAD as it highlights the potentials of Africa, the world’s youngest population, with abundant natural resources, and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.

While in Japan, Mr. Guterres is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Japanese leaders and also delegations attending on the margins of TICAD.

Before leaving Japan, the Secretary-General will visit EXPO2025 in Osaka. He will tour Pavilions, including our own Pavilion. While there, Mr. Guterres will celebrate the UN Special Day, which will include an official ceremony. Representatives from the United Nations, the Government of Japan, and the Japan Expo Association will attend, as well as guests from other pavilions, partners of the UN Pavilion, and it is also open for general visitors.

New York, 15 August 2025