Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open VTC meeting on the theme “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Humanitarian Effects of Environmental Degradation and Peace and Security”
2020/9/17
Mr. President,
I would like to express my appreciation to Niger for organizing this meeting on humanitarian effects of environmental degradation and peace and security.
Environmental degradation, particularly those triggered by climate change, is posing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of people around the world. Water scarcity, drought, desertification, land degradation, and food insecurity are hitting severely the people in the Sahel and other arid regions. Sea level rise and the erosion of the coastlines threatens those in small island developing States (SIDS). While climate-related natural disasters and environmental degradation are compromising human security in every corner of the globe, it is always the most vulnerable people affected by conflicts who are forced into serious humanitarian situations.
In places where the national and local institutions are too weak to protect civilian populations and the communities lack resilience, environmental degradation could become drivers of instability, and threaten peace and security. Hence, the need for adequate risk assessments and risk management strategies relating to the factors of instability, including the adverse effects of climate change and ecological changes, as recognized by the Security Council Resolution 2349 (2017) on the Lake Chad Basin Region.
In Japan’s view, the key to tackling environmental degradation, minimizing its humanitarian effects and preventing a relapse into conflicts, is institution building. “Institutions” are not limited to security and judicial systems, but also economic and social systems that enable the public sector, at both national and local levels, to deliver basic services such as health and education to the people. Building inclusive, accountable and functional institutions would contribute to reducing vulnerability, ensuring human security and strengthening people’s trust towards their government. Japan has consistently emphasized these points in the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).
Mr. President,
We recognize that the African continent bears severe impacts of climate change and is least prepared to manage and respond to climate change risks. Japan reaffirmed its commitment to make efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change at the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 7) held in Yokohama last year. Japan supports the African countries’ efforts for institution building under its “New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA)” launched at the TICAD 7.
Japan also promotes dialogues with countries in other regions seriously affected by climate change and environmental degradation through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) and Japan-CARICOM framework. Japan committed to provide 1.3 trillion yen (around 11.8 billion USD) in 2020 to support developing countries affected by climate change.
To conclude, I wish to emphasize that the United Nations must play a leading role in furthering international cooperation for robust action to address the humanitarian effects of environmental degradation and peace and security in all relevant aspects. Without any reservation, Japan will be an active partner in such endeavor.
I thank you.
I would like to express my appreciation to Niger for organizing this meeting on humanitarian effects of environmental degradation and peace and security.
Environmental degradation, particularly those triggered by climate change, is posing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of people around the world. Water scarcity, drought, desertification, land degradation, and food insecurity are hitting severely the people in the Sahel and other arid regions. Sea level rise and the erosion of the coastlines threatens those in small island developing States (SIDS). While climate-related natural disasters and environmental degradation are compromising human security in every corner of the globe, it is always the most vulnerable people affected by conflicts who are forced into serious humanitarian situations.
In places where the national and local institutions are too weak to protect civilian populations and the communities lack resilience, environmental degradation could become drivers of instability, and threaten peace and security. Hence, the need for adequate risk assessments and risk management strategies relating to the factors of instability, including the adverse effects of climate change and ecological changes, as recognized by the Security Council Resolution 2349 (2017) on the Lake Chad Basin Region.
In Japan’s view, the key to tackling environmental degradation, minimizing its humanitarian effects and preventing a relapse into conflicts, is institution building. “Institutions” are not limited to security and judicial systems, but also economic and social systems that enable the public sector, at both national and local levels, to deliver basic services such as health and education to the people. Building inclusive, accountable and functional institutions would contribute to reducing vulnerability, ensuring human security and strengthening people’s trust towards their government. Japan has consistently emphasized these points in the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).
Mr. President,
We recognize that the African continent bears severe impacts of climate change and is least prepared to manage and respond to climate change risks. Japan reaffirmed its commitment to make efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change at the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 7) held in Yokohama last year. Japan supports the African countries’ efforts for institution building under its “New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA)” launched at the TICAD 7.
Japan also promotes dialogues with countries in other regions seriously affected by climate change and environmental degradation through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) and Japan-CARICOM framework. Japan committed to provide 1.3 trillion yen (around 11.8 billion USD) in 2020 to support developing countries affected by climate change.
To conclude, I wish to emphasize that the United Nations must play a leading role in furthering international cooperation for robust action to address the humanitarian effects of environmental degradation and peace and security in all relevant aspects. Without any reservation, Japan will be an active partner in such endeavor.
I thank you.