Joint G4 Statement by Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan delivered by Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the 77th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on the Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council [Item 125]

Mr. President,

I would like to speak on behalf of the G4 Brazil, Germany, India, and my own country, Japan.

We stand at a watershed moment. International peace and security is being seriously challenged on many fronts, and the Security Council’s credibility to fulfill its mandate is being tested. The Council must be at the center of our collective response to these challenges. It must function, guide, and facilitate meaningful discussions, thereby making necessary decisions to address difficult issues. For this purpose, the Council needs to be reformed and strengthened in a way that reflects today’s realities, not those of almost 80 years ago.

The G4 would like to echo others in expressing our deep respect and appreciation to you, Mr. President, and to the IGN Co-Chairs, for the sincere and tireless efforts during this session. As referred to in the adopted decision, we welcome the positive, tangible improvements to the process, including the introduction of webcast, the establishment of a repository website, and other initiatives to move us forward. The revised Co-Chairs’ Elements Paper is a good summary of the current status of our convergences and divergences. At the same time, however, we believe that most Member States are eager to go further, redoubling our efforts to actually negotiate on such important issues as categories of membership, regional representation, and the question of the veto. 

Mr. President, 

We have been updating the Co-Chairs' Elements Paper for many years, and have already identified quite a few convergences. The remaining issues are contentious. We all know that only through negotiation can we reach an agreement on these difficult matters. Such negotiation requires a text or language in writing to advance.

In this regard, we support the Co-Chairs’ suggestion in their letter dated June 2 for a structured dialogue on concrete proposals submitted by Member States and groups. Such focused discussion will surely deepen our understanding of each other’s positions, and hopefully foster greater convergences. It will also naturally contribute to the Summit of the Future and beyond. The G4 looks forward to actively and constructively participating in this dialogue. We will continue our engagement with fellow Member States, for the early realization of Security Council reform – both for the present and future generations.

I thank you.