Remarks by H.E. Ambassador MIKANAGI Tomohiro, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Opening Session of the Workshop to Strengthen the Peacebuilding Architecture -Transforming Commitments into Action

Thank you for your introduction.
I thank co-sponsors and co-organizers for organizing this workshop.
 
I also thank three speakers for their valuable insights. The 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR) represents a significant opportunity for Member States to come together, discuss ways to better support peacebuilding and sustaining peace, and update the mandates and structure of the Peacebuilding Architecture (PBA) to deliver such support more coherently, efficiently and effectively.
 
As we enter the formal phase of the PBAR, this workshop is timely to identify and agree on focus areas and priorities, enabling us to translate commitments made over the past five years into concrete actions.
 
Today, allow me to share some insights on possible priorities in the PBAR, I will make five points aligned with the agenda of the workshop mainly focusing on the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC).
 
First, we must strengthen the PBC’s advisory role through working more closely with the Security Council. Last month, Japan submitted the summary of the PBAR informal consultations on strengthening the relationship between the PBC and the Security Council, which was held in September at my Mission. The copy will be put Section 5 of this document proposes actions that can be included in eventual new PBAR resolutions, and Section 4 provides guidelines for the Council and the PBC that can be implemented immediately within their existing mandates. If you are interested, copies of the summary will be put on the table outside. I look forward to delving deeper into this topic, starting with this workshop.
 
Second, we must unlock the PBC’s immense potential through “kaizen” in its working methods. “Kaizen” is a management jargon developed in Japanese manufacturers like Toyota meaning practical and step-by-step improvement in production lines. This can be done through small, innovative working method improvements even within the current mandate.
 
For instance, Vice Chairs can play an enhanced role to support the PBC’s convening power given their regional and thematic expertise and connections. They can improve the quality of the PBC’s advice by consulting stakeholders, drafting some inputs and managing the process, if desired.
 
Moreover, the PBC is uniquely positioned to promote inclusivity. Action 13 of the Pact for the Future emphasizes our efforts to build and sustain peaceful, inclusive and just societies. The voices of youth, women and people in vulnerable situations can be given greater consideration in the deliberations and decisions of the General Assembly, the Security Council and ECOSOC through the PBC’s advice. This can be achieved by inviting their representatives more frequently to PBC expert-level meetings to incorporate their voices into draft advisories.
 
Thirdly, the PBC must continue to serve as a platform for discussions on the UN’s role in conflict prevention. Member States’ collective commitments to prevention made in the Pact and at the Security Council Open Debate under Japan’s presidency last March should be explored, operationalized and implemented under the principle of ‘national ownership’, which is the hallmark of PBC.
 
The PBC’s discussions on national efforts in prevention and peacebuilding in Kenya, Norway and Timor-Leste in March were commendable in this context. The PBC can act as a repository of best prevention strategies and approaches for future utilization to deliver meaningful advice to other UN organs. In the Pact, we also decided to urge the SG to ensure that the UN is adequately equipped to lead and support preventive diplomacy. It may be worth discussing this point further in the PBAR, including potential structural improvements, necessary support mechanisms, and mandates required to deliver timely support for prevention.
 
Fourth, a comprehensive approach based on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus must be adopted by PBA. To ensure this approach, the PBC can facilitate intra-UN collaborations between the PBA and other UN organs such as UNDP, as well as those with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and the private sector. It is easier said than done, but we think this is really important for PBA to make difference.
 
For example, the PBC can explore how the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), other UN organs and IFIs can complement among themselves in preventing conflicts in fragile settings, including in areas where adversely affected by climate-related emergencies.
 
Fifth and finally, we should further explore how the PBC can become more attractive and safe venue for the Member States to seek support from. We might want to consider what incentives the PBC can offer or how to address the problem of “stigma”. The PBAR will also serve as an opportunity to discuss this issue in this regard.
 
In closing, I hope the discussion at this workshop will lead to action-oriented recommendations for the PBAR. Japan remains committed to contributing to the process.
 
I thank you for your attention.