UNHCR Appoints Noriko Takagi as New Representative in Pakistan
Takagi Looks to Strengthen Partnerships for Refugee Support in Pakistan
Islamabad – 19 October 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has appointed Noriko Takagi, as its new Representative in Pakistan. She arrived in the country early this month to take up her responsibilities, succeeding Philippa Candler.
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, says official statement.
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 Takagi.
