ISLAMABAD: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has appointed Ms. Noriko Takagi, as its new Representative in Pakistan, who arrived here to take up her responsibilities, succeeding Ms. Philippa Candler.
Ms. Takagi brings nearly three decades of experience in humanitarian and protection responses, programme management and partnership-building across Asia, Africa and Europe, including at UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva.
Before her appointment in Pakistan, Takagi served as UNHCR Representative in Myanmar from 2023 to 2026. Her previous assignments include Senior Programme Coordinator at UNHCR’s Regional Bureau in Bangkok, Deputy Representative in Myanmar and Senior Regional Programme Officer in Budapest.
She has also held field positions in Tanzania and Nepal. Before joining UNHCR in 1997, she worked with development organizations in Uganda.
“I am very excited to take up my new role in Pakistan and look forward to working closely with the Government and UNHCR’s partners to support refugees and asylum-seekers. Together, I am confident we will continue with our steadfast efforts to address their protection needs and help them find solutions for a better future,” said Ms. Takagi.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026