Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMANAKA Osamu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the UN Women Executive Board Second Regular Session 2024 (Opening Session)

 
Thank you, Mr. President. 
 
I would like to start by expressing my appreciation for the preparation of the bureau members to this meeting and also the opening statements by you and by Madam Executive Director. The second regular session provides a valuable chance to assess and reflect on the board’s activities for the year. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank all the bureau members and the UN Women Secretariat for their tireless efforts in organizing the board meetings throughout the year.

As Madam Executive Director mentioned, as we approach the Summit of the Future, and high-level week of the General Assembly, demonstrating collective solidarity in the board responsible for promoting gender equality is crucial.
 
Especially, in this time of global crises, Japan commends UN Women’s ongoing global response. To accelerate our collective efforts in achieving SDG5, we need to prioritize gender equality and the empowerment of women, across the UN system. Last Friday, as the penholder of Afghanistan in the Security Council, Japan delivered a joint statement on behalf of 12 Council Members that have a strong interest in the human rights situation in Afghanistan to express deep concern about the so-called “morality law” which was announced by the Taliban recently. Japan will continue to address and respond to the continued regression of women´s rights and threats to their human security globally.

Mr. President,
 
I would like to highlight some of the updates from the reports that will be presented during this session. On the report on structured dialogue on financing, I am pleased to learn that in 2023, an all-time high of 153 partners contributed 388.3 million USD in other resources to UN Women, the largest volume recorded to date. I trust that UN Women will continue its success in diversifying its donor base, and resource mobilization efforts.
 
On the first JIU review of management and administration in UN Women, the report contains a number of important recommendations for both the entity and the Executive Board, and we need to fully utilize these recommendations and observations.
 
Mr. President,
 
Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 25th anniversary of the first Security Council resolution on Women, Peace, and Security. At this critical juncture, Japan reaffirms its commitment to accelerating progress on gender equality, empowerment of women and girls, and the WPS agenda, and looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Executive Board in this endeavor.
 
I thank you, Mr. President.