Sony Group Corporation Announces New Two-Year Partnership for Refugee Support

The Japan Committee for UNHCR is pleased to announce that Sony Group Corporation has agreed to a new two-year partnership to support forcibly displaced people, including refugees and internally displaced persons.

Under this partnership, Sony Group Corporation’s contribution will be channeled through the Japan Committee for UNHCR to UNHCR, supporting emergency humanitarian assistance and the DAFI scholarship program in Africa. The total contribution is expected to amount to USD 2 million over two years, supporting both life-saving aid in emergencies and long-term educational opportunities that empower individuals to build better futures.

The DAFI scholarship support also aligns with UNHCR’s '15by30' initiative, which aims to increase refugee access to higher education globally. The Japan Committee for UNHCR, UNHCR, and Sony Group Corporation will ensure the effective implementation of this collaboration through field visits and ongoing information exchange, while also discussing potential for further cooperation.

Comment from Hikari Shippy, Senior General Manager, Sustainability Promotion Division, Sony Group Corporation:

"Sony is pleased to contribute, based on our long-standing collaboration with UNHCR and the Japan Committee for UNHCR, to rapid support for people in emergencies and to providing educational and future opportunities for young refugees in Africa. We believe this partnership holds significant value in advancing UNHCR’s efforts to expand access to higher education for refugees. Sony positions 'support for the next generation,' 'disaster and humanitarian assistance,' and 'addressing global challenges' as key focus areas of our social contribution activities. We will continue to support UNHCR’s initiatives in these areas."

Comment from Jorge Olague, Director of Private Sector Partnerships, UNHCR:

"As support for people forced to flee has never been more critical, we are deeply grateful for Sony’s new two-year partnership. Refugees and host communities today face complex and urgent challenges, including conflict, climate-related disasters, and severe underfunding of humanitarian aid overall. This partnership with Sony represents a meaningful investment in both life-saving support and longer-term solutions. By providing protection, education, and opportunities for young refugees, we enable them not only to overcome hardship but to unlock new possibilities for the future."

Note: '15by30' is a global initiative led by UNHCR with partners, aiming to increase refugee access to higher education to 15% by 2030.

UNHCR English link (for reference):

https://www.unhcr.org/what-we-do/build-better-futures/education/higher-education-and-skills/15-2030-global-pledge-refugee

Sony Group Corporation has long collaborated with UNHCR and the Japan Committee for UNHCR, supporting refugee assistance and public awareness activities in Japan. This new partnership further advances that commitment. Moving forward, the Japan Committee for UNHCR, UNHCR, and Sony Group Corporation will work together through field visits and continuous dialogue to ensure effective implementation and explore further collaboration opportunities.

■ About UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects and assists refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless people in around 130 countries worldwide, working with a wide range of partners. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1954 and 1981. Headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland. https://www.unhcr.org/jp/

■ About the Japan Committee for UNHCR

The Japan Committee for UNHCR, established in 2000, is the official support partner for UNHCR in Japan. In collaboration with UNHCR’s Japan office, it conducts public outreach and fundraising to support UNHCR’s global activities. As a Certified NPO, it issues donation receipts eligible for tax deductions in Japan. https://www.japanforunhcr.org/