Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security (WPS)

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
Japan expresses its sincere appreciation to Greece for convening this important open debate, and to the briefers, Mr. Guterres, Ms. Bahous and Ms. Paryani for their invaluable insight.
 
With a record number of conflicts worldwide in 2025, the latest SG’s report outlines a grave reality: the number of women and girls impacted by conflict continues to increase, yet women continue to be underrepresented and even excluded from peace processes and negotiations.
 
To reverse this trend, first, we call on Member States, particularly Security Council members, to go beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to safeguard the rights of women and girls.
 
Second, we call for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to the WPS agenda. Beyond advancing the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women, it is essential to invest in the next generation of leaders. As emerging technologies, including AI, continue to reshape societies, strengthened capacity-building support that complements the efforts of Member States is also urgently needed. Against this backdrop, Japan attaches great importance to the role of UN Women in advancing a holistic and future-oriented WPS agenda and remains committed to further strengthening its strategic partnership with UN Women.

Mr. President,
 
Japan continues to advance the WPS agenda, incorporating our experience as co-chair of the WPS Focal Points Network. In partnership with UN Women, Japan supports the development of National Action Plans and promotes more inclusive national networks of women peacebuilders in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
Furthermore, last month, the Ministry of Defense of Japan hosted the 3rd Japan-ASEAN Women, Peace and Security Cooperation Project. Building on the achievements of the past two years, the project brought together 23 WPS practitioners and featured a tabletop exercise enabling participants to practice more practical and advanced WPS approaches as the culmination of the project's third year. The project enhanced participants' understanding of WPS in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, while also strengthening the network of practitioners across the Indo-Pacific region and reinforcing the platform for addressing shared challenges.

Mr. President,
 
Women and girls bear the brunt of conflict, with a heightened risk of being exposed to sexual violence. Japan continues to support victims and survivors of CRSV, both with necessary care and access to justice, primarily through the Office of the SRSG-SVC and the Global Survivors Fund.   
 
In November, Japan will host the 2nd Next Generation Forum for Gender Equality in Tokyo under the theme of “Our Well-being in the Digital Age, Paved by Gender Equality.” The forum aims to address gender-related challenges in well-being and the digital sphere, while empowering future leaders, including young women, to advance gender equality and contribute to a more peaceful and resilient future.
 
Japan remains steadfastly committed to ensuring women's active participation and leadership in all areas of peace and security and will continue to advance the WPS agenda together with the international community.
 
I thank you.