Statement by H.E. Ambassador OSUGA Takeshi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the informal plenary meeting of the General Assembly on the follow-up to the UN75 Declaration
2020/12/15
Mr. President,
Let me begin by thanking you for convening this important meeting to commence the discussion on how to deliver on our promises in the UN75 Declaration. I also thank the Secretary General for sharing his insights.
All 12 commitments in the Declaration are equally important but the nature of each differs from one another. Some are linked directly to the UN’s three pillars, while others are reminders of universal values and principles. Some highlight major stakeholders and others point to specific impending issues. Having said that, I wish to make three points that my Government deems important in the process of following up on the Declaration, including through the SG report on our common agenda.
First, we need an overarching perspective in addressing the interconnected challenges and prevent our follow-up exercise from falling into silos. We must always place people, individual human beings, at the center. Human security approach as agreed in the GA resolution 66/290 could be instrumental in identifying and addressing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of individuals.
Second, we should focus more attention on the most impending challenges. Para 18, “We will be prepared”, should remain at the center of our discussion. Whether we can contain the pandemic, build resilient systems towards universal health coverage and prepare for future crisis is a test for reinvigorated multilateralism. Another impending challenge is para 8, “We will protect our planet”. Climate-related challenges are posing adverse impacts on human security worldwide. We must urgently realize a virtuous cycle of the economy and the environment. Furthermore, para 7, “We will leave no one behind”, must be followed-up intensively to accelerate our efforts to achieve the SDGs towards its midterm in few years.
Third, we must achieve concrete results for para 14, “We will upgrade the UN”. This commitment is of completely different nature from others since it concerns the UN itself. At the top of the pressing UN reforms is that of the Security Council. The 75th session should see a substantial progress to “instil new life” in the Intergovernmental Negotiations. There is no time to lose by repeating conventional debates without any outcome.
In closing, allow me to reaffirm Japan’s continued commitment to the process of UN75 Declaration follow-up.
Thank you.
Let me begin by thanking you for convening this important meeting to commence the discussion on how to deliver on our promises in the UN75 Declaration. I also thank the Secretary General for sharing his insights.
All 12 commitments in the Declaration are equally important but the nature of each differs from one another. Some are linked directly to the UN’s three pillars, while others are reminders of universal values and principles. Some highlight major stakeholders and others point to specific impending issues. Having said that, I wish to make three points that my Government deems important in the process of following up on the Declaration, including through the SG report on our common agenda.
First, we need an overarching perspective in addressing the interconnected challenges and prevent our follow-up exercise from falling into silos. We must always place people, individual human beings, at the center. Human security approach as agreed in the GA resolution 66/290 could be instrumental in identifying and addressing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of individuals.
Second, we should focus more attention on the most impending challenges. Para 18, “We will be prepared”, should remain at the center of our discussion. Whether we can contain the pandemic, build resilient systems towards universal health coverage and prepare for future crisis is a test for reinvigorated multilateralism. Another impending challenge is para 8, “We will protect our planet”. Climate-related challenges are posing adverse impacts on human security worldwide. We must urgently realize a virtuous cycle of the economy and the environment. Furthermore, para 7, “We will leave no one behind”, must be followed-up intensively to accelerate our efforts to achieve the SDGs towards its midterm in few years.
Third, we must achieve concrete results for para 14, “We will upgrade the UN”. This commitment is of completely different nature from others since it concerns the UN itself. At the top of the pressing UN reforms is that of the Security Council. The 75th session should see a substantial progress to “instil new life” in the Intergovernmental Negotiations. There is no time to lose by repeating conventional debates without any outcome.
In closing, allow me to reaffirm Japan’s continued commitment to the process of UN75 Declaration follow-up.
Thank you.