Statement by Ms. FUJINO Yuka, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the Ambassadorial-Level Meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Guinea Bissau Configuration

Thank you, Chair, for convening today’s meeting. PBC continuing to provide a platform to address the peacebuilding challenges Guinea-Bissau faces is important. Japan welcomes the statement by H.E. Mr. Pereira and also thanks the other briefers for their insightful remarks.
 
Today, I would like to highlight three points:
 
First, for sustainable peace and stability, maintaining legitimate and good governance based on the rule of law is essential. Japan welcomes the Guinea-Bissau UN Country Team identifying the rule of law as one of its collective priorities this year.
 
Second, to build a resilient society, people must have a sense of ownership. This requires securing democratic representation, protecting political and civic space, and safeguarding inclusivity in all processes so the voices of various actors, including women and youth, are reflected.
 
In this regard, we encourage all stakeholders to engage in inclusive dialogues towards conducting free, fair, and transparent elections in a timely manner. Japan welcomes the government’s plan to update its 2009 population data by undertaking a national census this year. Accurate census data provide the foundation for participatory democracy and further facilitate economic development, provision of basic services and decision making.

Third, Japan recognizes that climate change poses a serious threat to human security. It is imperative to integrate the effects, including societal and economical impacts, of climate change and environmental degradation into early warning systems and peacebuilding initiatives.
 
Chair,
 
To conclude, Japan has long been supporting Guinea-Bissau in its institution building to strengthen the rule of law and governance. We are also providing assistance in the area of food security, which is a key priority for Guinea-Bissau. We remain committed to continuing our cooperation in the country’s efforts towards lasting peace and stability.   
 
I thank you.