About Me / Reina Kuwashima

Turning Economic Opportunities into Development Outcomes.

My professional background brings together international business, sustainable development, and responsible business practices, built through nearly 12 years at Sumitomo Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 Japanese trading and investment company, and subsequent experience with the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Reina Kuwashima at the African Union headquarters, Addis Ababa

International Business

Experience grounded in business.

At Sumitomo Corporation, I worked across international trade, business development, ESG, investor relations, and corporate governance. From developing supply chains for battery materials to expanding healthcare businesses internationally, I gained hands-on experience in assessing markets and technologies, identifying commercial opportunities, and building partnerships across countries and industries.

My work also involved engaging with institutional investors, international organizations, and other stakeholders on corporate strategy, business and human rights, responsible supply chains, and sustainability.

Reina Kuwashima in New York City during her US assignment — New York, United States

Reina Kuwashima at an international cosmetics industry exhibition in the Netherlands — International cosmetics exhibition, the Netherlands

Creating Development Opportunities

Economic activity with human impact.

Throughout my work in business and investment, I have been motivated by how economic activity can create meaningful employment and improve people's lives. In 2024, I brought this longstanding perspective to the ILO in Geneva, joining the Investment, Sectoral Strategies and Transformation team and applying my commercial experience to international development.

Working on circular economy and e-waste initiatives in Africa, I contributed to mobilizing USD 1.5 million in funding from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a project in South Africa. I also led efforts to identify relevant Japanese technologies and develop opportunities for technical cooperation, including organizing a study visit that connected South African government and vocational training representatives with Japanese companies, public institutions, and skills development organizations.

Reina Kuwashima at the TICAD Business Expo and Conference — TICAD Business Expo & Conference, Japan

South African delegates and Japanese partners during a technical cooperation study visit to Chiba Polytechnic College — Technical cooperation study visit, Chiba Polytechnic College, Japan

Responsible Business & Labour Mobility

Advancing responsible business and labour mobility.

My work has increasingly focused on the intersection of business, human rights, and sustainable development, including responsible supply chains and labour mobility. Now based in Bangkok, I manage a regional ILO initiative spanning 14 Asian countries, facilitating policy dialogue and cooperation among governments, employers' and workers' organizations, businesses, and development partners.

Building on my experience in international business and responsible business practices, I work to strengthen practical cooperation on fair recruitment, migrant worker protection, and responsible labour mobility, while maintaining a broader focus on the role of businesses and international cooperation in advancing human rights and sustainable development.

Looking Ahead

Where business, policy and people meet.

Across these roles, I have developed a perspective that combines commercial judgment, policy awareness, and the ability to build partnerships across sectors. I am particularly interested in how business, investment, and international cooperation can work together to advance sustainable economic development, responsible business practices, and opportunities for people and communities.

Explore My Expertise ↗Experience & Education ↗