Statement by H.E. Ambassador MIKANAGI Tomohiro, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Annual Session of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
I would like to thank you, Administrator Steiner, for your reflections on UNDP’s achievements under your leadership. Japan applauds your significant contributions to transforming UNDP into an agency as strong and credible as it is, despite numerous challenges over the past eight years.
 
Looking ahead, Japan reaffirms its strategic partnership with UNDP. On that note, Japan made its second core contribution today, bringing this year’s total above last year’s.
 
Japan welcomes the direction of the draft Strategic Plan for 2026–2029. The Plan not only addresses key global challenges, but also builds on UNDP’s core strengths. On crisis resilience, we fully support UNDP's vital role as a “bridge-builder” across humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts, and its renewed commitment to conflict prevention, early recovery, and peacebuilding.
 
Turning to the emerging challenge of declining official development assistance, UNDP has already taken important steps to address this trend. With its track record of prudent financial management, we believe UNDP will be able to achieve the right balance between improving its operational efficiency, and sustaining its field presence and operational capacities to deliver on its core mandate. We also support UNDP’s continued efforts to diversify its funding base. Given the growing importance of mobilizing private sector funds, we welcome UNDP’s role in catalyzing private sector partnerships.
 
In this connection, private sector partnerships will be one of the main agendas of TICAD-9, which Japan is co-hosting in Yokohama in August, together with the UN, UNDP, World Bank, and the African Union Commission.
 
Finally, your recognition of human development – not as competing with national security, but addressing insecurity’s root causes – resonates with us as it is in line with the notion of human security, which both UNDP and Japan have long been advocating.
 
Lastly, as Administrator Steiner’s tenure draws to a close, Japan wishes to renew its gratitude for his resolute leadership in advancing UNDP’s mandate and multilateral development cooperation.
 
I thank you.