Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial Meeting on the Annual Report and Election of Officers

2023/2/2
Mr. Chair,

To begin with, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to H.E. Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith of Bangladesh for his leadership in guiding our work. I also thank the Permanent Representatives of the Dominican Republic and Egypt as the vice-chairs for last year, as well as the respective chairs of the Country Configurations. The achievements of the PBC over the past year would not have been possible without their dedication.

Now, I would like to warmly welcome you, Ambassador Ivan Šimonović of Croatia, as our new chair. I also welcome Germany and Bangladesh as the new vice-chairs. I am confident that your leadership will further enrich our work and I look forward to working closely with you all.

I would like to take this opportunity to briefly touch upon a few points that Japan is especially keen to emphasize in pursuit of maximizing the role of the PBC this year.

First, the PBC should broaden its thematic and geographic scope. I commend Bangladesh as then PBC Chair for showing great leadership in convening meetings on climate change in Pacific islands and institution building in Timor-Leste, upon the host country’s request. The PBC should seek more advice from Member States as well as UN organs and agencies on how the venue of the PBC can be effectively utilized.
 
Second, UN Member States should initiate exploring the best format of meetings tailored to each topic between the PBC and other UN inter-governmental organs. For example, the Security Council should utilize more of the Informal Interactive Dialogue format to discuss conflict prevention, inviting the members of all members of the PBC, and the host country where appropriate. We should make the best advantage of the PBC’s convening and bridging power.
 
Lastly, the PBC should review its working routine to make its advice more effective. For the PBC’s advice to be considered and reflected in outcome documents of the UN organs and beyond, the timing of the advice is critical. We shall actively work to promote efforts to align the program of work of the PBC with those of the Security Council, General Assembly, ECOSOC, and more in order that the PBC’s advice can be delivered in a timely manner.
 
In concluding, let me assure you, Mr. Chair, that Japan will support you and will continue to actively engage in the PBC’s work.

I thank you.