Statement by Ms. KADO Asuka, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C34) General Debate

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

At the outset, I wish to pay our deepest respects and express our heartfelt gratitude to the brave women and men serving in peacekeeping missions around the world. Day in and day out, they confront immense challenges, risking their lives to uphold peace and security in the most volatile environments.

The landscape surrounding peacekeeping operations is undeniably complex and fraught with difficulties across political, security, and financial dimensions. It is precisely in these challenging times that the role of the C34 becomes even more indispensable. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for us, as members of this Committee, to demonstrate our collective political will to uphold UN peacekeeping. This can be powerfully achieved by adopting this year's C34 report by consensus.

During the intersessional meetings, we witnessed constructive and candid exchanges of views and innovative ideas among Member States for reaching a common understanding on the improved working methods of the Committee. It is my sincere hope that we will carry the same spirit of collaboration and pragmatism into this substantive session, enabling us to reach a consensus adoption that sends a clear and unequivocal message of solidarity.

Japan, while keenly aware of prevailing financial constraints, remains steadfast in its support for initiatives aimed at enhancing the performance and ensuring the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel. A prime example of such an adaptive and sustainable endeavor is the UN Triangular Partnership Programme, or TPP. This innovative program, fostering partnerships between the UN Secretariat, Member States, and regional organizations, delivers tailored training to address the evolving needs on the ground. Crucially, capacity building initiatives, including those focused on countering IEDs, are vital. They not only boost the operational effectiveness of our peacekeepers but are also directly instrumental in safeguarding their lives, allowing them to execute their mandates more effectively and securely.

Furthermore, to ensure that the achievements of peacekeeping operations translate into lasting peace, it is imperative to adopt a comprehensive and integrated approach in UN peacebuilding efforts from the outset. This necessitates a human-centered approach that is inclusive of every individual within society, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards sustaining peace. A critical element in this regard is the early and coordinated planning of smooth and effective transition strategies, which are essential for consolidating gains and building resilient societies.

Mr. Chair,

We continue to support the Secretariat in its effort to advance the review of UN Peace Operations, as well as a new A4P implementation strategy, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of peace operations while improving efficiency.

In conclusion, for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations to remain an effective and sustainable tool for global peace and security, we anticipate the C34, encompassing a broad spectrum of members including troop- and police- contributing countries and financial contributing countries, to formulate action-oriented recommendations. We expect this Committee to work closely with the UN Secretariat and the missions to implement these recommendations, thereby ensuring the continued relevance and impact of peacekeeping in our ever-changing world. Japan, as one of the Bureau members of the C34, stands ready to play its part.

Thank you.