Statement by Mr. OSHIMA Masaru, Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the 42nd Session of the Committee on Information
Let me begin by thanking you, Ambassador Omar Hilale of Morocco for guiding us efficiently through the work of the Committee. I also wish to extend my gratitude to Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for the Department of Global Communications, for her informative briefing.
Mr. Chair,
COVID-19 is no doubt one of the greatest human security crisis the world has ever faced, threatening the survival, livelihood and dignity of every individuals. Transparency is the key and the necessary first step in coping with the pandemic. The use of cutting-edge digital communication technologies has greatly helped us acquire needed information in a timely manner and keep our everyday life uninterrupted. At the same time, it has brought to light the serious challenge of infodemic.
Japan joined the “Cross-Regional Statement on “Infodemic” in the Context of COVID-19”, which reaffirms the importance of international cooperation in countering the spread of misinformation. Japan also supports the “Verified” initiative led by the Department to create a team of “Information Volunteers” with a view to increasing the volume and the reach of trusted, accurate information surrounding the ongoing crisis.
I would like to underline the importance of UN Information Centres (UNICs) and Resident Coordinator Offices in disseminating accurate and reliable information, in particular in local languages. They are instrumental in reaching out directly to the people of the Member States and telling human stories on the work of the United Nations as well as the values the Organization embodies. I wish to commend, in this respect, the work of UNIC Tokyo that has created a blog series on the theme of “building back better from the COVIC-19 pandemic” which provides tailored information and encouragement to the people of Japan.
Mr. Chair,
Another area I wish to highlight is the role of youth in disseminating accurate and verified information. Japan supports and encourages the meaningful participation of youth in promoting the agenda for peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. We invited the Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth, Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake to Japan in February this year who interacted with our youth in Hiroshima, Okayama and Tokyo. My delegation appreciates the outstanding work of the Office of the Envoy on Youth and hopes to continue expanding our collaboration.
Last but not the least, I would like to express our gratitude to the Department of Global Communications for planning to hold this year’s Peace Bell Ceremony in its traditional in-person format, while strictly observing the protocol for social distancing. My delegation will fully support the Department in organizing the event successfully.
I would like to conclude by reaffirming Japan’s strong support to the work of the Department of Global Communications. It plays a critical role of connecting the United Nations with people in all corners of societies, in an era where empathy and solidarity matter the most to overcome the common challenge we face.
Thank you very much.