Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Informal Meeting of the Plenary on the Report of the Secretary-General Entitled “Our Common Agenda”

Mr. President,
 
Thank you for providing another opportunity to discuss the “Our Common Agenda” report.
 
First and foremost, Japan appreciates the report’s deep insights on the challenges we face and its wide range of recommendations in response to the request by Heads of State and Government.
 
The idea of a “renewed social contract anchored in human rights” aligns with Japan’s long-standing policy of promoting the rule of law and human security. These concepts serve to build trust between people and institutions as well as among people within societies. Emphasis on delivering global public goods also resonates with Japan’s commitments regarding the universal health coverage and net-zero emissions by 2050.
 
While we still need to study some concepts and ideas proposed in the report, Japan commends the rich content of the report and looks forward to continued engagement of the Secretariat in the follow-up process.
 
Mr. President,
 
The commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the UN should not be treated as a one-time event. The UN75 Declaration requires follow-up to deliver on the 12 commitments of our Leaders. We therefore support the proposal to hold a “Summit of the Future.” It will be a great opportunity to bring together further wisdom and concrete actions to improve the governance of global public goods and keep ourselves on track or turbocharge our efforts in tackling our challenges, such as climate change and the achievement of the SDGs. We need to be ambitious and forward-looking. Japan is committed to actively engaging in the preparations for the Summit.
 
We also need to be practical and results-oriented. In order to maximize the output of the follow-up process, we should carefully examine the feasibility of each proposal. A first step would be to identify existing mandates to implement the proposals and then prioritize them, so as to deliver results in a most effective and efficient manner. The report clearly articulates the need to build on existing frameworks and accelerate the implementation of existing agreements. It is also in our hands to discuss how we proceed with the preparations for the Summit, including the appropriate timing and themes.
 
While the 12 commitments are equally important, ultimately, “upgrading the UN” is an unavoidable path to deliver what our Leaders called for in their Declaration. Japan welcomes the report’s emphasis on the need for institutional improvement and reforms, but feels it could have gone further in suggesting concrete steps, especially on the long-awaited reform of the Security Council. To “instil new life” into this discussion, Japan looks forward to your role, Mr. President, and that of the Secretary-General in building up momentum for concrete progress.
 
The UN possesses a one-and-only legitimacy, convening power and normative impact to advance our common agenda and to respond to current and future challenges. Japan stands ready to play its part in this endeavor.
 
Thank you.