Statement by H.E. Ambassador MIKANAGI Tomohiro, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the informal meeting for the Briefing by the PGA on his priorities for the resumed part of the 79th session

 

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank you for organizing this meeting and conveying your priorities for the resumed 79^th session.

Eighty years after the establishment of the UN, despite earnest efforts, our world still faces complex challenges, particularly in Northeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine. This year, it is worthwhile for us to revisit the origins and spirit of the UN Charter and reaffirm its purposes and principles.

Now is the time to reaffirm the importance of our shared responsibility. The expectations for the UN’s convening power in promoting multilateralism have increased. We must strive for a better functioning GA, the most inclusive body in the UN. While acknowledging that the Security Council bears primary responsibility, the GA has increasingly played an important role in the area of maintenance of international peace and security.

Divisions among the UN membership are not new in its  history, but back in 1970, the GA adopted the landmark “Friendly Relations Declaration,” overcoming divisions among States at that time. This should be remembered as an example of GA’s efforts made towards strengthening the foundation for the promotion of peace and friendship based on the purposes and principles of the Charter.

In this regard, the OPGA’s role is crucial. Japan has been contributing to strengthening the capacity of the OPGA, including through the production of the digital handbook.
 
Mr. President,

We are convinced that the GA should be guided by the Charter’s basic principles as the basis for uniting the international community while ensuring human dignity.

Through the GA, States must strengthen the UN’s capacity for conflict prevention and resolution, promote respect for human rights, and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Japan will particularly focus on human security, education and health, peacebuilding and nuclear disarmament. Japan will also actively discuss the implementation of the GDC, in cooperation with all multi-stakeholders.

Regarding Africa, this year Japan will host TICAD 9 with the aim of “co-creating innovative solutions with Africa.” Japan has been encouraging African ownership, throughout the 30-year-old TICAD process, to realize Africa’s development hand in hand with African countries and in collaboration with other co-organizers, including the UN.
 
Mr. President,

The Pact and its annexes address the issues of sustainable development, financing, science, technology and innovation as well as recommendations for reforming global governance, particularly referring to a need for “urgent reform” of the Security Council. Building on this momentum, we are determined to work harder to realize a Security Council that better reflects the current global situation, recognizing the historical injustice against Africa and the underrepresentation of the Asia-Pacific.

Now, it is imperative that we translate the ambitious vision of the Pact into concrete actions and fully implement it in its spirit.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, please be rest assured that Japan will continue to engage constructively in this session of the GA to achieve further progress.

I thank you, Mr. President.