Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations At the Annual Session 2020 of the Executive Board of UN-Women

Mr. President,
 
At the outset, I would like to thank you, Ambassador Jukka Salvaara, and commend UN-Women for organizing this session under the current difficult circumstances. I would also like to express my appreciation to Madam Mlambo-Ngcuka for her comprehensive statement.
 
I wish to make three points today.
 
First, in the midst of this unprecedented human security crisis caused by COVID-19, we must work together to minimize its negative impact and build back better a resilient and inclusive society where all individuals, including women and girls, are able to live in dignity and are duly protected and empowered.
 
From this human security perspective, the Government of Japan decided to provide a total of 4.5 million US dollars in assistance to the four UN-Women regional projects to prevent infection and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on women and girls.
 
Second, Japan welcomes the progress being reported in the mid-term review. At the same time, we expect UN-Women to make further efforts in some areas, including donor reporting, to enhance accountability, efficiency and effectiveness in all its activities.
 
Third, Japan expects UN-Women to play an active role in the UN development system reform. We also hope that UN-Women will leverage its triple mandate of normative support, UN coordination, and operational activities for achieving system-wide results on gender equality across the SDGs, including through the multi-sectoral response to COVID-19.
 
In conclusion, in this landmark year for women’s agendas, the progress made to date must not be reversed in the face of COVID-19. Japan remains fully committed to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in close cooperation with UN-Women.
 
Thank you.