Statement by H.E. Ambassador UMETSU Shigeru, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the 2025 Annual Session of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board
2025/6/5
(As delivered)
Thank you, Mr. President.
At the outset, I wish to convey my gratitude to Associate Administrator Mr. Xu and Executive Coordinator Mr. Kurbanov for their informative briefings. I also take this opportunity to extend warm congratulations to the entire UNV team and all UN Volunteers for the significant progress made in 2024.
Japan commends the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme for its remarkable achievements in 2024. Amid continuing global challenges, the programme once again demonstrated the transformative power of volunteerism in advancing peace, development and human rights, mobilizing a record number of 14,631 volunteers across 169 countries.
We are particularly encouraged by the programme’s inclusive and forward-looking approach. The 41 per cent increase in volunteers with disabilities, the significant expansion of online volunteering opportunities, and the strengthened engagement of both youth and older persons reflect UNV’s firm commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. Furthermore, the programme’s investments in digital innovation, capacity-building and adaptable field structures have enhanced its responsiveness to the evolving needs of the UN system and the communities it serves.
Japan was honoured to serve as a co-facilitator, together with Brazil, of the resolution entitled “Strengthening volunteerism for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, leaving no one behind,” which was adopted by consensus last year in the Third Committee and subsequently by the General Assembly. The resolution embodies our strong conviction that volunteerism is a vital and cross-cutting means of implementation for the 2030 Agenda—empowering individuals and strengthening societies through inclusive and participatory approaches.
Looking ahead to 2026, designated as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, Japan welcomes UNV’s leadership in preparing a global advocacy campaign and engaging a broad range of stakeholders. Japan reaffirms its steadfast support for the work of UNV and stands ready to continue its close cooperation to further advance the shared values of solidarity, inclusion and collective action.
I thank you.
At the outset, I wish to convey my gratitude to Associate Administrator Mr. Xu and Executive Coordinator Mr. Kurbanov for their informative briefings. I also take this opportunity to extend warm congratulations to the entire UNV team and all UN Volunteers for the significant progress made in 2024.
Japan commends the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme for its remarkable achievements in 2024. Amid continuing global challenges, the programme once again demonstrated the transformative power of volunteerism in advancing peace, development and human rights, mobilizing a record number of 14,631 volunteers across 169 countries.
We are particularly encouraged by the programme’s inclusive and forward-looking approach. The 41 per cent increase in volunteers with disabilities, the significant expansion of online volunteering opportunities, and the strengthened engagement of both youth and older persons reflect UNV’s firm commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. Furthermore, the programme’s investments in digital innovation, capacity-building and adaptable field structures have enhanced its responsiveness to the evolving needs of the UN system and the communities it serves.
Japan was honoured to serve as a co-facilitator, together with Brazil, of the resolution entitled “Strengthening volunteerism for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, leaving no one behind,” which was adopted by consensus last year in the Third Committee and subsequently by the General Assembly. The resolution embodies our strong conviction that volunteerism is a vital and cross-cutting means of implementation for the 2030 Agenda—empowering individuals and strengthening societies through inclusive and participatory approaches.
Looking ahead to 2026, designated as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, Japan welcomes UNV’s leadership in preparing a global advocacy campaign and engaging a broad range of stakeholders. Japan reaffirms its steadfast support for the work of UNV and stands ready to continue its close cooperation to further advance the shared values of solidarity, inclusion and collective action.
I thank you.