Statement by Mr. HOSOYA Hayato, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the First Thematic Debate on “Working Methods” of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly

Co-Chairs,
Distinguished Representatives,
 
I would like to begin by thanking the co-chairs of the Ad Hoc Working Group. As our Permanent Representative expressed at the General Debate earlier this month, you can count on our support.
 
Since most of our views have been outlined by our PR at the General Debate, I would like to briefly reiterate three points which Japan sees as important to improve the working methods of the GA.
 
First is the prioritizing, streamlining, and rationalizing of the agenda of the General Assembly to enhance the efficiency of this body. Biennialization, triennialization, and clustering of items on the agenda should be seriously considered in this regard.
 
Second is the list of speakers during the General Debate of the UNGA. The list of speakers must be created through a process which accurately reflects the political context of individual Member States.
 
Third is the General Assembly start date. We should discuss this issue this year, while keeping in mind financial implications and other concerns.
 
I look forward to this year’s negotiation towards an agreed resolution that will be beneficial to the future of the General Assembly.
 
I thank you.