Statement by Mr. HAMAMOTO Yukiya, Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the PBC Virtual Meeting on Burundi

2021/11/2
Thank you, Chair, for organizing this meeting and the same gratitude goes to all the briefers for their fresh inputs.
 
As we just see the aspiration of the promising youth presented today, it is vital to invest in the critical social capital, children, young men and women of the country,  for its sustainable peace and development. National Program for the Capitalization of Peace, Social Stability and Promotion of Economic Growth rightly stresses its priority of the youth empowerment. The program must continue to be implemented, and I commend PBC’s valuable role for mobilizing international support to the Burundian efforts.
 
Inadequate access to education, lack of vocational training, insufficient job opportunities are formidable challenges in addition to other socio-economic problems worsened by the COVID19. Long-term and holistic international support is required, and with that in mind, Japan has been playing its role as a steadfast partner of Burundi.
 
First, the worsening food crisis continues to make children suffer from malnutrition, hampering access to early education and their sound growth. In order to mitigate this human security crisis, Japan has been providing food assistance worth about 3 million USD, helping school lunch system through WFP. It is expected to benefit more than 8,000 children in three provinces. 
 
Second, capacity building of the youth is critical and serves as foundation for any other initiatives. Since 2014, Japan has invited young Burundian aspirants to Japan by African Business Education (ABE) Initiative for Youth, launched in TICAD V, 2013. They have been trained in graduate schools and given opportunities of internship in leading Japanese companies. Grown entrepreneurship through this initiative should certainly bring new businesses with rich employment opportunities.
 
Lastly, further economic development needs high-quality infrastructure base and increased connectivity. Japan has been supporting renewal and expansion of Bujumbura Port, the largest port in the country. The launching ceremony last month was blessed with the presence of President Ndayishimiye, and gave renewed momentum to be a logistical hub in the eastern and central African region. 
 
Japan continues to join Burundi's national endeavor for sustainable development with vibrant youth.
 
I thank you.