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

Mr. President,
 
Let me begin by thanking you as well as the current and former PBC Chairs and the PBSO for your leadership in holding today’s important debate.
 
As this year’s Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR) unfolds, I would like to take this opportunity to focus on one key point each regarding the PBC and the PBF.
 
First, Japan believes it is vital to fully harness the PBC’s advisory, bridging, and convening roles through strengthening its collaboration with the main UN organs. As the UN’s most representative body, the General Assembly can amplify the PBC’s visibility, and Japan, as the informal coordinator between the PBC and the GA, is committed to promoting more systematic engagement between the two bodies. We believe this important linkage should be duly reflected in the PBAR resolution.
 
Additionally, the PBC-Security Council relationship can be reinforced by improving the quality and timing of the PBC’s advice to the Council through incorporating input from actors such as UN Country Teams and local peacebuilders, and by having closer coordination in advance among the PBC Chair, informal coordinator between the PBC and the Council, Council President, and penholders.
 
Second, we encourage the PBF to remain focused on conflict prevention and transition to development. Japan has contributed 67 million US dollars to the PBF since its inception. Although many other donors have also supported the PBF, we recognize that financing for peacebuilding has always been a challenge. We therefore welcome the addition of national prevention strategies as a new priority area for the PBF, as supporting such nationally owned efforts is far more cost-effective than responding after the outbreak of violence.
 
At a time when ODA is declining globally, diversification of funding sources is crucial. To this end, the Impact Hub, briefings to the PBC by recipient countries, and the sharing of good practices in the GA are all valuable tools to showcase results and inspire additional support. Diversifying funding sources can also enhance the impact of PBF initiatives, including through partnerships with IFIs, whose long-term development expertise contributes to advancing the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus.
Mr. President,
 
In conclusion, Japan reaffirms its commitment to advancing conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustaining peace.
 
I thank you.