Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Informal Meeting of the General Assembly on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform
2023/3/9
(As delivered)
Co-Chairs,
Japan fully aligns with Germany’s statement. Please allow me to make additional remarks in my national capacity.
First of all, let me echo our appreciation and strong support for your prompt and tangible proposal of introducing webcasting and record-keeping. This will surely contribute to increasing transparency and accountability. Nevertheless, we must go still further. While this is a good step, we can only attain concrete results through text-based negotiations.
Co-Chairs,
As for “the working methods of the Council,” Japan has actively contributed to the revising and updating of Note 507 several times in the past. As a current member of the Council, we are committed to and will further advance its transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness, which are essential for the Council to fulfill its responsibilities. We are determined to continue such positive contributions in a reformed Council as well.
With respect to “the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly,” there is no doubt that it must be strengthened. At the same time, however, in order to further enhance the functions of the UN as a whole, the Council must have stronger relations with other UN organs as well. For example, collaboration between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission is a prerequisite for effective conduct of peace operations, as the PBC can convene relevant stakeholders both within and beyond the UN system and provide useful advice to the Council.
Co-Chairs,
The Security Council must reflect today’s realities. This must not just mean changing its structure or the number of seats, but requires the Council to be updated in terms of how it operates, within the UN and beyond. Reforming the Council should not be the final goal, but part of a continuing process toward a more legitimate and effective Council which can fulfil its mandate and serve the international community.
We look forward to concrete negotiations in a constructive manner in this regard.
I thank you.
Japan fully aligns with Germany’s statement. Please allow me to make additional remarks in my national capacity.
First of all, let me echo our appreciation and strong support for your prompt and tangible proposal of introducing webcasting and record-keeping. This will surely contribute to increasing transparency and accountability. Nevertheless, we must go still further. While this is a good step, we can only attain concrete results through text-based negotiations.
Co-Chairs,
As for “the working methods of the Council,” Japan has actively contributed to the revising and updating of Note 507 several times in the past. As a current member of the Council, we are committed to and will further advance its transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness, which are essential for the Council to fulfill its responsibilities. We are determined to continue such positive contributions in a reformed Council as well.
With respect to “the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly,” there is no doubt that it must be strengthened. At the same time, however, in order to further enhance the functions of the UN as a whole, the Council must have stronger relations with other UN organs as well. For example, collaboration between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission is a prerequisite for effective conduct of peace operations, as the PBC can convene relevant stakeholders both within and beyond the UN system and provide useful advice to the Council.
Co-Chairs,
The Security Council must reflect today’s realities. This must not just mean changing its structure or the number of seats, but requires the Council to be updated in terms of how it operates, within the UN and beyond. Reforming the Council should not be the final goal, but part of a continuing process toward a more legitimate and effective Council which can fulfil its mandate and serve the international community.
We look forward to concrete negotiations in a constructive manner in this regard.
I thank you.