Professor, Faculty of Global Studies, Sophia University, Tokyo
Yasuhiro Ueki is a professor in the Department of Global Studies at Sophia University in Tokyo.
His current research interests include the UN’s peace operations (prevention, peace mediation peacekeeping and peacebuilding), UN reform (Security Council, General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, Secretariat), international organizations (the UN, specialized agencies, regional organizations and sub-regional organizations), human security, the US’ UN diplomacy, and the UN’s counter-terrorism strategy-its implementation and challenges.
He is a former political affairs officer and deputy spokesman for the United Nations and an international expert on UN reform matters. He also worked at the UN mission in East Timor. In August 2014, he was awarded Minister of Foreign Affairs’ Commendation in recognition for his international contribution.
Ueki has an undergraduate degree from Sophia University and a Ph.D. from Columbia University. He had a chance to meet Yasushi Akashi, the very first Japanese UN staff member and, on Mr. Akashi’s recommendation, began working at the UN.