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 2023 (Opening Session)

Mr. President,

I would like to start by expressing my appreciation to you for convening this important meeting and for the opening statement by Madam Executive Director. As Madam Executive Director highlighted, the second regular session provides a valuable chance to assess and reflect on the board’s activities, serving as the final official executive board meeting of the year. Furthermore, as we approach the high-level week of the General Assembly, demonstrating collective solidarity in this board responsible for promoting gender equality is crucial.

The role of UN Women’s triple mandate is ever more important for the progress of the SDGs in the current situation of women and girls, which is at a critical juncture due to compounded threats to human security. Against this backdrop, Japan trusts UN Women to execute the budget in 2024 and 2025 to drive results in all three of its mandates, while improving organizational efficiencies and effectiveness with increased transparency.
 　
Concerning the report on structured dialogue on financing, I am pleased to learn about UN Women’s efforts over the years in resource mobilization, which is characterized by an increase in the total number of donors and contributions by private sector donors. Under the current global economic climate, Japan encourages UN Women to further diversify its donors, as emphasized by the ACABQ report. In this relation, I would like to ask UN Women to share any challenges in increasing corporate donors, which contribute the smallest portion among the private sector donors, next to foundations and national committees. If more appropriate in accordance with the agenda, please feel free to provide a response to my question in the next section.   
 
Japan has contributed 20.6 million USD to UN Women this year to support women and girls throughout the world, including in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Africa, the Arab region, South Asia and neighboring countries. Japan reaffirms its commitment to continue to partner with UN Women and support all its mandates. 
 
Mr. President,
 
I want to express my gratitude to you for your exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment throughout your term, notwithstanding the hardship that your own country faces. Your dedication is a testament to Ukraine’s devotion to the noble causes of the United Nations. Finally, I would like to conclude by thanking all the bureau members and the UN Women Secretariat for their tireless efforts in organizing the board meetings.

Thank you.