Statement by Mr. AKIMOTO Masatoshi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, at the Security Council Open Debate on “ Futureproofing Trust for Sustaining Peace”
2023/5/3
I would like to begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on Switzerland’s assumption of the Presidency for the first time in your country’s history. Japan highly commends your initiative on this forward-looking topic. I would also like to thank briefers for their insightful inputs.
Mr. President,
Today, trust in multilateral system and in the United Nations is being tested. Conflict and terrorism remain a threat, and are exacerbated by emerging risk multipliers such as climate change, infectious diseases, and food insecurity. What we need to ask ourselves is whether the United Nations, especially this Council, has the strong will and capacity to effectively respond to these challenges.
Sustaining peace requires persistent efforts. To achieve resilient peace, a wide range of actors, especially women and youth, must be able to actively join and be agents of change in their own society.
This participation can only take place when people feel secure. The rule of law must be upheld, human rights protected, and issues resolved through dialogue. Institution building and capacity building, especially through education, are key. Japan has been working to realize human security by “investing in people”.
Effective use of data and emerging technology will accelerate and streamline our efforts toward peace.
Mr. President,
The Security Council should serve as a role model for the international community. Let me emphasize three points.
First, the Council should oversee the implementation of its resolutions and work toward mainstreaming the WPS and YPS agendas.
Second, the Council should deepen discussions on the rule of law, human security, the protection of human rights, and conflict prevention. The Council should reflect the outcomes of these discussions in the mandates of peace operations.
Third, the Council should enhance its interactions with other actors. In this regard, Japan highly appreciates the PBC’s comprehensive advice for today’s meeting. By fully utilizing the PBC’s advice, the Council will strengthen the functioning of the whole UN.
Mr. President,
The process to develop a New Agenda for Peace is now underway. This is a historic opportunity to enhance our collective capacity to achieve and sustain peace.
Let me conclude by expressing Japan’s unwavering commitment to promoting the peacebuilding and sustaining peace efforts in the UN and beyond.
I thank you.
Mr. President,
Today, trust in multilateral system and in the United Nations is being tested. Conflict and terrorism remain a threat, and are exacerbated by emerging risk multipliers such as climate change, infectious diseases, and food insecurity. What we need to ask ourselves is whether the United Nations, especially this Council, has the strong will and capacity to effectively respond to these challenges.
Sustaining peace requires persistent efforts. To achieve resilient peace, a wide range of actors, especially women and youth, must be able to actively join and be agents of change in their own society.
This participation can only take place when people feel secure. The rule of law must be upheld, human rights protected, and issues resolved through dialogue. Institution building and capacity building, especially through education, are key. Japan has been working to realize human security by “investing in people”.
Effective use of data and emerging technology will accelerate and streamline our efforts toward peace.
Mr. President,
The Security Council should serve as a role model for the international community. Let me emphasize three points.
First, the Council should oversee the implementation of its resolutions and work toward mainstreaming the WPS and YPS agendas.
Second, the Council should deepen discussions on the rule of law, human security, the protection of human rights, and conflict prevention. The Council should reflect the outcomes of these discussions in the mandates of peace operations.
Third, the Council should enhance its interactions with other actors. In this regard, Japan highly appreciates the PBC’s comprehensive advice for today’s meeting. By fully utilizing the PBC’s advice, the Council will strengthen the functioning of the whole UN.
Mr. President,
The process to develop a New Agenda for Peace is now underway. This is a historic opportunity to enhance our collective capacity to achieve and sustain peace.
Let me conclude by expressing Japan’s unwavering commitment to promoting the peacebuilding and sustaining peace efforts in the UN and beyond.
I thank you.