Statement by Mr. SHOJI Takashi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-Level Meeting on Peacebuilding in Guatemala
2024/12/6

(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Japan commends President Arévalo’s initiative to update the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) on his country’s national efforts for peacebuilding and prevention since we met to discuss Guatemala last June. Japan believes that the PBC is an ideal forum to share experiences and best practices on peacebuilding and prevention among Member States, across the UN system, and beyond.
I also thank Mr. Díaz and Ms. Zelaya for their insightful briefings.
Today, I would like to mention three points.
First, institution building is needed for sustainable peace and the prevention of any resurgence of conflict as well as the delivery of basic services such as health care and education. Japan welcomes that the Guatemalan government attaches great importance to the rule of law, including transitional justice and the fight against corruption and impunity.
On its part, Japan has been cooperating with international organizations and regional countries to support returned migrants in Guatemala. Japan has also contributed to developing community policing capacity through technical cooperation.
Second, investments in people are important for a comprehensive approach based on the HDP nexus. In this vein, Japan is encouraged by Guatemala’s focus on active participation of all actors including women, youth, civil society, and indigenous peoples in national peacebuilding efforts.
We also note Guatemala’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Action Plan aligned to Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). Japan has supported Guatemalan women’s empowerment and participation through improving maternal and child nutrition, and developing women’s entrepreneurship.
Lastly, Guatemala and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), in close coordination with the PBSO, RC, and UNCT, are demonstrating a good example of a UN-host country partnership. We also welcome that International Financial Institutions and regional development banks have complemented the PBF’s investments, which illustrates the PBF’s catalytic role.
On this note, Japan particularly welcomes that this positive role of PBF has been shared in today’s PBC meeting, which enhances the transparency and visibility of the PBF and could incentivize more Member States to utilize the UN Peacebuilding Architecture for realizing sustainable peace.
Let me conclude by reaffirming that Japan remains a partner in Guatemala’s endeavour for peacebuilding and sustaining peace. As we approach the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, Japan looks forward to deepening our relationship of friendship and cooperation.
I thank you, Mr. President.
Japan commends President Arévalo’s initiative to update the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) on his country’s national efforts for peacebuilding and prevention since we met to discuss Guatemala last June. Japan believes that the PBC is an ideal forum to share experiences and best practices on peacebuilding and prevention among Member States, across the UN system, and beyond.
I also thank Mr. Díaz and Ms. Zelaya for their insightful briefings.
Today, I would like to mention three points.
First, institution building is needed for sustainable peace and the prevention of any resurgence of conflict as well as the delivery of basic services such as health care and education. Japan welcomes that the Guatemalan government attaches great importance to the rule of law, including transitional justice and the fight against corruption and impunity.
On its part, Japan has been cooperating with international organizations and regional countries to support returned migrants in Guatemala. Japan has also contributed to developing community policing capacity through technical cooperation.
Second, investments in people are important for a comprehensive approach based on the HDP nexus. In this vein, Japan is encouraged by Guatemala’s focus on active participation of all actors including women, youth, civil society, and indigenous peoples in national peacebuilding efforts.
We also note Guatemala’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Action Plan aligned to Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). Japan has supported Guatemalan women’s empowerment and participation through improving maternal and child nutrition, and developing women’s entrepreneurship.
Lastly, Guatemala and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), in close coordination with the PBSO, RC, and UNCT, are demonstrating a good example of a UN-host country partnership. We also welcome that International Financial Institutions and regional development banks have complemented the PBF’s investments, which illustrates the PBF’s catalytic role.
On this note, Japan particularly welcomes that this positive role of PBF has been shared in today’s PBC meeting, which enhances the transparency and visibility of the PBF and could incentivize more Member States to utilize the UN Peacebuilding Architecture for realizing sustainable peace.
Let me conclude by reaffirming that Japan remains a partner in Guatemala’s endeavour for peacebuilding and sustaining peace. As we approach the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, Japan looks forward to deepening our relationship of friendship and cooperation.
I thank you, Mr. President.