Explanation of Position By Mr. SHOJI Takashi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the Adoption of Draft Resolution on Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly

 

Thank you, Mr. President.

Japan welcomes the consensus adoption of this resolution on the Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly. This was achieved through intensive consultations and constructive negotiations among Member States and groups over several months. Japan commends Romania and South Africa for their tireless efforts as Co-Chairs of the Ad Hoc Working Group.

Throughout the process, Japan has actively contributed to discussions on three key aspects, among others.

First, Japan supports strengthening the General Assembly’s role and revitalizing its work. We look forward to translating these deliberations into concrete actions. In peace and security, as this year’s informal coordinator between the General Assembly and the Peacebuilding Commission, Japan will further enhance the two bodies’ mutual engagement in line with the resolution. We also support that the resolution encourages the update and dissemination of the digital handbook as outlined.
 
Secondly, Japan has been a long-standing advocate for a more efficient and effective UN system. From this perspective, we engaged in the discussions on streamlining the General Assembly's working methods. We will continue to constructively address mandates set by the General Assembly under the Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative, including further utilization of time-bound provisions and sunset clauses.
 
Thirdly, we underscore the importance of further enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and predictability in the selection process for the next Secretary-General. In this regard, Japan firmly believes that the recommendations outlined in the UN document under A/71/774-S/2017/93, which was drafted by Ambassador Bessho, a former Permanent Representative of Japan, based on his experiences presiding over a critical month of the 2016 selection process, remain highly relevant to further discussions.
 
In conclusion, Japan remains committed to fostering multilateral cooperation within the General Assembly and contributing to this vital endeavour.

Thank you, Mr. President.