The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Tokyo, with cosponsor Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched a photo exhibit as a prelude to the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV). The objective of the exhibit is to make known to as wide an audience as possible "Vibrant Africa", which highlights the theme of the conference: "Towards a Vibrant Africa: A Continent of Hope and Opportunity." The exhibit runs from Tuesday 1 April - Friday 9 May 2008 (closed on 6 May), 10:00-17:00 hours.  The exhibit is at the UN House, 53-70, Jingumae 5-Chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.

During her opening remarks, the UNIC Director pointed out "The more Africa becomes vibrant, the more the world will become vibrant." She went on to express her hope that the photo exhibit will serve to expand partnerships with Africa so that Africa will be able to maintain its vitality and hand its children the great future they dream of.

TICAD IV will be held from 28 to 30 May, 2008, in Yokohama, Japan. For more information about TICAD IV, please visit this website.

The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Tokyo, UN University and UN agencies in Japan jointly hosted celebrations at UN House in Tokyo on the theme of "The United Nations, Africa and Me."  This theme recognized the marking of the mid-term point for MDGs, the TICAD IV conference in Yokohama next spring, and Japan's hosting of the G8 Summit next summer, at which African development is expected to be one of the prominent topics.

In addition to a seminar in UN House, a variety of activities for both children and adults were organized in the front courtyard. UN agencies organized an outdoor "experience zone" to present demonstrations of the UN's field work, including tents such as those used in refugee camps and other relief work tools.