Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations General Assembly Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace

Thank you for convening this meeting. I would like to express my gratitude to the Chair and Vice-chairs of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and the Peacebuilding Support Office, for guiding and facilitating our discussion on peacebuilding.
 
At the outset, I would like to emphasize the importance of a coherent approach to prevention and sustaining peace. The UN's Peacebuilding Architecture should create synergy among various entities in working towards a common goal by effectively utilizing the unique strengths of the PBC and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).
 
I will start by highlighting three points regarding the work of the PBC.
 
Firstly, the Member States must continue to strengthen the PBC’s catalytic role within and beyond the UN system. The PBC is designed to bring together all relevant actors and provide advice on integrated strategies building upon the close interlinkages between peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. Japan is committed to promoting close cooperation among related entities including between the PBC and the Security Council as a member of both these bodies. For the PBC’s advice to be reflected in discussions and outcome of the Security Council, General Assembly and other relevant bodies, the quality and timing of the advice are critical. In order to deliver more concrete and impactful suggestions in a timely manner, we may need to reassess our approach to crafting the advice, particularly in handling diverse viewpoints when the PBC members encounter difficulties in reaching consensus.
 
Secondly, it is imperative for us to further expand the PBC’s geographic and thematic scope according to its mandate. We commend the leadership of the last and current chairs in this regard by convening meetings on new items such as climate impact in Pacific islands, institution building in Timor-Leste as well as peace and reconciliation of indigenous people in Canada, Colombia, and Norway. This demonstrates that the PBC is a valuable platform for all countries and regions, regardless of their level of development, to share good practices and discuss their own policies. I encourage Member States to make even greater use of this venue.
 
Thirdly, we should recognize that the PBC can play a greater role in preventing conflicts and violence. The Secretary-General's New Agenda for Peace has reemphasized the importance of prevention. I am excited about this once-in-decades opportunity to discuss good practices in national prevention efforts and strategies. The PBC is an excellent venue for such discussions with its formal and informal settings, involving relevant UN agencies, IFIs, and others. We should leverage the PBC’s convening and bridging power to its fullest extent.
 
Mr. President,
 
Let me now focus on the work of the PBF.
 
Further close linkage with the PBC’s activities will optimize the work of the PBF. Discussions on national priorities and strategies at the PBC should be properly considered and reflected in project planning by the PBF. The PBC can enhance the transparency and visibility of the PBF by actively discussing good practices and challenges for PBF projects. Such a cooperative practice will help both entities to ensure effective work and sufficient accountability.
 
Furthermore, the PBF should be more focused on conflict and violence prevention. The PBF has a unique character that allows for comprehensive approaches involving all relevant UN and non-UN entities, including peace operations, agencies, funds and programmes, and IFIs, while respecting national ownership. It is well positioned to contribute to prevention. I encourage the PBF to continue pursuing its constructive role in supporting prevention on the ground and utilizing its catalytic role to foster further support for countries.
 
Mr. President,
 
The 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture review will serve as a good opportunity to reflect and mobilize global efforts for the effective use of the PBC and PBF. I would like to reaffirm Japan's full commitment to advancing the peacebuilding and sustaining peace agenda.