The Sasakawa Peace Foundation began its engagement with West Asia in 2009 with the aim of cultivating mutual understanding and building trust between Japan and regional partners.

The West Asia and Islam Unit works to enhance mutual understanding between Japan and the Islamic world by strengthening networks and expanding dialogue with governments, think tanks, researchers, and opinion leaders across the region. In addition, the unit promotes human resource development and exchange, with particular emphasis on supporting early-career researchers and providing educational opportunities for students.

As a private international foundation, SPF also seeks to build people-to-people dialogue networks that contribute to conflict resolution and peacebuilding in the region. Furthermore, in collaboration with philanthropic organizations, private companies, and investment-promotion institutions, the foundation advances initiatives aimed at expanding economic activities that deliver social impact.

Through these collaborative efforts, SPF works to help establish sustainable systems within partner countries, disseminate effective models and best practices, and promote cooperative approaches for addressing shared regional challenges.