Statement by H.E. Mr. AKAHORI Takeshi, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, at the United Nations Security Council Meeting on a High-Level Open Debate on “the Maintenance of peace and security Leadership for peace: United in respect of the UN Charter, in search of a secure future”

Madam President,
 
I thank Prime Minister Golob and the delegation of Slovenia for organizing this important meeting. My appreciation also goes to Secretary-General António Guterres, President Egger of the ICRC, and former President Sirleaf of Liberia.
 
Next year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Despite the UN’s long and tireless efforts to advance peace and security, today the world is facing multiple complex challenges which have global ramifications. It is time to reform the UN to meet the needs of the new era. To this end, a coordinated, multilateral approach is crucial, and the UN must be at its core.
 
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which has continued for more than two and a half years, poses a blatant challenge to the international order based on the rule of law, and shakes its very foundation. With regard to the situation in Gaza, we are deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation as the fighting continues.
 
On top of these, there are a host of issues that need to be addressed, such as the advancement of North Korea's nuclear and missile activities, and conflicts and terrorism in Africa, including in Sudan, where we are witnessing increasingly dire humanitarian conditions with a soaring number of displaced persons and violence spreading across the region.
 
With heavy heart, we must say that divisions and confrontations are worsening, leading to crises in many corners of the world.
 
The Security Council must fulfill its responsibility to maintain international peace and security. As a Council member, Japan has exercised its leadership, including through hosting signature events on the rule of law, peacebuilding, and nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
 
Furthermore, Japan has worked day and night to identify common ground, where the Security Council can play its entrusted role. Divisions in the international community are eroding this narrow ground; however, we must work together to expand common ground. Guided by the New Agenda for Peace, Japan will continue to lead the efforts to advance a new frontier for Peace Building, particularly by preventing conflict and its recurrence.
 
UN Member States must not overlook the fact that the current structure of the Council has not changed much for almost 80 years, and fail to reflect today's realities.
 
At the Summit of the Future, world leaders issued a clear and strong message on the urgent need to reform the Security Council. We all must take concrete actions to respond to this call.
 
In order to make the Security Council more representative, legitimate, effective, and efficient, the Council needs to be reformed, including expanding the membership in both permanent and non-permanent categories.
 
Japan is committed to contributing even further to the maintenance of international peace and security in a reformed Council.
 
Madam President,
 
Now is the time for action. Japan will continue to exercise leadership while working closely with other countries to make the United Nations a platform where we work hand in hand to overcome the challenges of our time.
 
I thank you.