Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-level commemorative meeting on Women, Peace and Security

Thank you, Chair, Ambassador Beutin, for convening this meeting.
 
Japan welcomes the insightful remarks by Dr. Kantema, Ms. Mulamula, Ms. Bahous, and Ms. Kgetsi.
 
Over the past quarter-century since the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325, significant progress has been made in strengthening the role and rights of women in peace and security.
 
However, challenges remain. Reports of increasing violence against women in conflict settings underscore the urgent need for continued and enhanced efforts.

In order to further advance the WPS agenda, Japan is honoured to serve as Co-Chair of the WPS Focal Points Network with Norway this year. During the 80th UN General Assembly High-Level Week, the WPS Focal Points Network held its annual event. Our Foreign Minister reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to WPS as a key foreign policy pillar and to promoting the agenda globally.
 
On this important occasion, I would like to highlight two key points.
 
First, it is essential to actively involve local women peacebuilders in advancing the WPS agenda. Japan, along with partners, supported the convening of the African Union’s high-level workshop on WPS this June. This workshop identified the importance of improving the coordination between regional, national and grass root actors. In line with this finding, the PBC’s advisory, bridging and convening role should be further leveraged to amplify the voices of local women peacebuilders to key stakeholders, both inside and outside the UN system.

Second, it is imperative to identify and address the unique challenges faced by diverse actors, including young women. How to further encourage young women's initiatives in the context of WPS is a challenge the international community must consider, as Ms. Kgetsi just stated. In this regard, to foster leadership among young people working on WPS, Japan will host the “Next Generation Forum for Gender Equality” this December in Tokyo.
 
To conclude, Japan remains firmly committed to the continued advancement of the WPS agenda.
 
Thank you.