Statement by H.E. Ambassador UMETSU Shigeru, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the consultations on “Mandate Creation” under UN80

Mme. and Mr. co-chairs,
 
In the UN, we have seen an increased number of mandates over the years, often created without sufficient consideration for overlap with existing mandates or their financial implications. This unchecked expansion has contributed to significant duplications and budget growth, which are ultimately unsustainable.
 
There are two ways to address this issue.

First, when establishing new mandates, we must ensure there is no duplication with existing ones.

Second, we should consider budgetary implication including setting a budgetary ceiling to introduce financial discipline.
 
In this regard, Japan proposes three key actions:
 
First, it is essential that Member States be able to systematically verify whether any newly proposed mandate overlaps with existing mandates. We welcome the SG’s intention to set up a registry, designed in a manner that allows such verification to be conducted with a simple, one-click process.
 
Second, when a resolution includes a new mandate which may incur budgetary implication, the proposing Member State should consult with the Secretariat and provide a clear written information on the budgetary implication to all Members.
 
Third, as proposed in the Secretary-General’s report, all such resolutions creating new mandates should include expiry clauses requiring the mandate to be reviewed and renewed after a certain period, in order to prevent unchecked and unlimited mandate expansion. The same principle should also apply to existing mandates, which we will discuss further when we take up the mandate review phase.
 
We believe that these steps will strengthen the UN’s ability to deliver its mandate more effectively and sustainably.
 
I thank you.