Remarks by H.E. Ambassador UMETSU Shigeru, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the UNDP/UNOPS/UNFPA Executive Board Meeting (UNDP Segment)

Thank you, Mr. President,
 
At the outset, Japan would like to thank Administrator De Croo for his comprehensive statement, as well as UNDP’s continued efforts to deliver results amid an increasingly complex development and financing landscape.
 
UNDP is a strategic partner of Japan and shares commitment to human security. The 2026 Human Security Awards ceremony was held in June, with Administrator De Croo in virtual attendance. UNDP was involved in four of the six award-winning projects, which reflect its important contributions to advancing human security.
 
UNDP is expected to continue strengthening the protection and empowerment of the most vulnerable people in the face of threats to their survival, livelihoods, and dignity. In this context, Japan welcomes UNDP’s “Moving Beyond Crisis” vision and its efforts to advance the HDP nexus by linking responses to urgent needs and early recovery with long-term development and peacebuilding.
 
As public finances tighten, Japan values UNDP’s efforts to diversify financing for development and its role as a catalyst for private sector engagement. We encourage UNDP to further strengthen its catalytic role by building enabling environments, de-risking private investment, and connecting business solutions with needs on the ground.
 
Furthermore, the value of UNDP’s work as a whole ultimately rests on the quality and results of the individual projects it delivers on the ground. At a time of severe resource constraints and amid growing demands for accountability, transparent and efficient project management, as well as tangible outcomes, are more important than ever.
 
Japan believes that this challenging environment also presents an opportunity for UNDP to further strengthen its operational foundations and delivery capacity.
 
In conclusion, Japan looks forward to continuing to work closely with UNDP to deliver tangible results for people on the ground.
 
I thank you.