REINA KUWASHIMA
Portfolio / Areas of Expertise

Across sectors.
Across borders.

International business, responsible practices and development cooperation — experience shaped across industries, institutions and regions.

Reina Kuwashima speaking as an ILO panelist at an international conference
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION · POLICY DIALOGUE
International business / Development cooperationSix areas of expertise
01 — 06 / Areas of Expertise

Experience in practice.

SELECTED FIELDS OF WORK
01

International Trade & Business Development

Nearly 12 years at Sumitomo Corporation provided me with extensive experience in international trade, cross-border business development, and market expansion. My work spanned lithium-ion battery materials, healthcare, and personal care, involving market research, technology and product evaluation, supply chain development, and commercial partnerships across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. I have worked closely with Japanese and international companies to identify market opportunities, develop new business relationships, and bring products and technologies into overseas markets.

Reina Kuwashima presenting at a Sumitomo Corporation individual investor briefing
02

Circular Economy & Green Trade

My experience in sustainable business and circular economy spans both international trade and development cooperation. In the private sector, I worked on green trade initiatives in the healthcare sector, connecting environmentally sustainable products with international markets. At the ILO in Geneva, I conducted research and contributed to international policy discussions on circular economy, e-waste management, and sustainable economic transformation. I also supported resource mobilization for circular economy projects in Africa, contributing to successful funding efforts in two consecutive years for initiatives in South Africa and Zambia, alongside programme development and implementation support.

Collected electronic circuit boards at an e-waste recycling site
03

Global Value Chains & Responsible Supply Chains

Global supply chains have been a central part of my professional experience throughout my corporate career. I worked on developing and managing international supply chains across multiple industries, including lithium-ion battery materials and healthcare, building supplier relationships, navigating cross-border commercial and regulatory challenges, and connecting companies across markets. Alongside these commercial responsibilities, I gained experience in human rights due diligence, responsible supply chain practices, and the management of labour and human rights risks across international business operations. This combination of hands-on supply chain experience and responsible business perspectives continues to inform my work at the ILO.

Reina Kuwashima at the United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum, Asia-Pacific
04

Business & Human Rights

I have worked on business and human rights from both corporate and international development perspectives. During my corporate career, my responsibilities included human rights due diligence, ESG, corporate governance, and responsible business conduct, engaging with institutional investors, international organizations, and other stakeholders. At the ILO, I have continued to work on the protection of workers' rights, responsible business practices, and cooperation among governments, employers, workers, and development partners.

Reina Kuwashima with a delegation of partners in South Africa
05

Technology Partnerships for Sustainable Development

Throughout my corporate career, I worked on identifying promising technologies and products, assessing their potential in international markets, and developing cross-border partnerships to turn commercial opportunities into new businesses. At the ILO, I have brought this experience into development cooperation, exploring how technologies can address local needs, create employment, and support skills development. I researched appropriate technologies for employment-intensive investment programmes (EIIP) and presented my findings at an ILO regional seminar held at the African Union headquarters. I also explored opportunities to introduce Japanese technologies into EIIP initiatives and facilitated partnerships with Japanese companies for technology transfer under a circular economy project in South Africa, including a study visit for government and TVET representatives to explore technical cooperation and skills development.

06

Labour Migration & Worker Protection

I currently manage an ILO regional initiative involving 14 Asian countries, focused on responsible labour migration, fair recruitment, and migrant worker protection. My work involves facilitating policy dialogue and practical cooperation among countries of origin and destination, governments, employers' and workers' organizations, businesses, and development partners. Building on my earlier experience in business and human rights and responsible supply chains, I work to strengthen regional approaches to protecting workers across borders.

Core Capabilities

What I bring
to the table.

01

Strategy & Business Development

02

Private Sector Partnerships & Executive Engagement

03

Government Relations & Policy Dialogue

04

Programme Development & Resource Mobilization

05

Market Research & Technology Assessment

06

Cross-border Programme Management