Statement by Mr. IRIYA Takayuki, Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the General Debate of the Fourth Committee, 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, on Agenda item 52: Comprehensive Review of Special Political Missions
2025/11/12
(As delivered)
Mr. Chair,
Japan reaffirms its support to the work of Special Political Missions, recognizing their critical role in prevention, mediation, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and sustaining peace.
We expect that the ongoing review of peace operations will adequately address the challenges faced by SPMs and guide them to be more adaptable and resilient. Given the growing financial constraints, it is more important than ever to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of SPMs’ mandate delivery.
In order to maximize the impact of SPMs and achieve long-term peace and stability, Japan would like to emphasize the following points.
First, SPMs need to have realistic and achievable mandates supported by host countries. Planning exit strategies is also important to ensure a smooth transition. To this end, coordination with other actors across the UN system, including the UN Country Teams and Resident Coordinators, as well as with civil society and international financial institutions should continue and be enhanced.
Japan also continues to encourage the General Assembly and the Security Council to better utilize the advisory, bridging and convening role of the Peacebuilding Commission to foster a comprehensive approach to sustaining peace.
Second, to achieve and sustain peace, it is important to secure inclusive participation of women and youth at all stages of peace processes. At the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325 and the 10th anniversary of Resolution 2250, Japan reiterates the need for the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women, as well as the full, effective, safe and meaningful participation of youth.
Mr. Chair,
Before concluding, let me extend my gratitude to Mexico and Finland, the co-facilitators of the resolution just adopted. As a co-sponsor of the resolution, Japan looks forward to continuing our discussion, after the review and the UN80 proposals are presented, on leveraging SPMs as tools to foster international peace and security.
I thank you.