Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the General Assembly Debate on Security Council Reform

Mr. President,
 
Japan fully aligns with Germany’s statement on behalf of the G4. Please allow me to make additional remarks in my national capacity.
 
First, our heartfelt congratulations once again to you, Mr. President, for your unanimous election by the Member States. We also commend your decision to reappoint the trusted Co-chairs, Amb. Alexander Marschik and Amb. Tareq M. A. M. Albanai, Permanent Representatives of Austria and the State of Kuwait.
 
Mr. President and Co-chairs, you have our full support.
 
During last year’s session, thanks to the initiatives taken by the Co-chairs, we made notable advances including introducing a webcast and establishing a repository website. Building upon these, we welcome another proposal by the Co-chairs to conduct a structured dialogue on individual proposals at the upcoming IGN. This new initiative could lead to comprehensive and concrete discussions, which the majority of the Member States have requested for a long time. We are determined to engage constructively in the discussions in the next cycle of the IGN.
 
Mr. President,
 
In the IGN, we never deny the importance of open and active discussion; but we also have to be committed to making tangible outcomes at every single session. To do so, a Member States-driven process is necessary. We encourage all Member States and groups to be the penholders and submit their own models for reform. Let us write what we believe is right, then clarify, question, and debate on what others believe is right. Interactive discussions on each model would serve this purpose and lead us to concrete achievements. Japan is more than willing to actively participate in this process.
 
Mr. President,
 
During High-level Week in September, more than 80 Member States made statements calling for Security Council reform. This is an even greater number than last year, which shows a growing sense of urgency for a more representative, efficient, and effective Council.
 
We have all witnessed the challenges the Council is facing not being able to meet the expectations of the international community on some of the most pressing issues of our day, including the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. This should only strengthen our will for reform, for creating a Council which is more representative and reflects the reality of the 21^st century. Looking ahead to next year's Summit of the Future and the subsequent 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we must make our best effort to move toward concrete action.

Mr. President,
 
Nelson Mandela said, “it always seems impossible until it’s done.” We believe nothing is impossible in the United Nations if we the Member States do everything we can. We still have lots of work to do. Let us do it together.
 
I thank you.