Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the General Assembly Debate on Security Council Reform
2024/11/11
(As delivered)
Mr. President,
Japan fully aligns with Germany’s statement on behalf of the G4. I will make additional remarks in my national capacity.
First of all, Japan congratulates the reappointment of the IGN Co-Chairs, Amb. Alexander Marschik and Amb. Tareq (M. A. M.) Albanai, Permanent Representatives of Austria and the State of Kuwait.
This 79th session of the General Assembly is of particular significance for all of us in the context of Security Council reform. At the beginning of this session, with the excellent facilitation by Germany and Namibia, the world leaders adopted the first ever concrete document for the reform of the Council – the Pact for the Future. It includes many important actions to be taken, such as:
- First, working towards developing a consolidated model through structured dialogue;
- Second, highlighting the importance of limiting the scope and use of the veto, especially in cases of preventing or ending genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes;
- Third, recognizing the historical injustice against Africa as well as the underrepresentation of Asia-Pacific; and
- Fourth, looking towards 2030 as a timeline to enlarge the Council to be more representative.
While these are historic achievements, what is more important is how to advance negotiations building on these steps in this session.
As written in the Pact, we the Member States will also “intensify efforts to find an agreement on the question of the categories of membership taking into account the discussions held in the IGN process.” These discussions have clearly shown majority support for the expansion in both categories as demonstrated in the models presented, the 2015 Framework Document, and countless statements made by Member States and groups. We strongly expect the Co-Chairs to facilitate a fair discussion based on the facts and the accurate positions of the Member States.
Mr. President,
This year’s Summit of the Future was a landmark opportunity, and next year is the 80th anniversary of the UN.
Let us remind ourselves that during High-level Week in September, almost 120 Member States made statements calling for Security Council reform. This is an even greater number than last year and shows a growing sense of urgency for a more representative, efficient, and effective Council.
To achieve substantial progress towards text-based negotiations, we are eager to see the submission of more models, especially from Africa, so as to forge a consolidated model in the current IGN cycle. At this critical juncture for international peace and security, we must reform the Council so it can better address the serious challenges we face.
Japan is more than ready, and looks forward to fruitful discussions with you all in the coming days and weeks.
The time is now.
I thank you.
Japan fully aligns with Germany’s statement on behalf of the G4. I will make additional remarks in my national capacity.
First of all, Japan congratulates the reappointment of the IGN Co-Chairs, Amb. Alexander Marschik and Amb. Tareq (M. A. M.) Albanai, Permanent Representatives of Austria and the State of Kuwait.
This 79th session of the General Assembly is of particular significance for all of us in the context of Security Council reform. At the beginning of this session, with the excellent facilitation by Germany and Namibia, the world leaders adopted the first ever concrete document for the reform of the Council – the Pact for the Future. It includes many important actions to be taken, such as:
- First, working towards developing a consolidated model through structured dialogue;
- Second, highlighting the importance of limiting the scope and use of the veto, especially in cases of preventing or ending genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes;
- Third, recognizing the historical injustice against Africa as well as the underrepresentation of Asia-Pacific; and
- Fourth, looking towards 2030 as a timeline to enlarge the Council to be more representative.
While these are historic achievements, what is more important is how to advance negotiations building on these steps in this session.
As written in the Pact, we the Member States will also “intensify efforts to find an agreement on the question of the categories of membership taking into account the discussions held in the IGN process.” These discussions have clearly shown majority support for the expansion in both categories as demonstrated in the models presented, the 2015 Framework Document, and countless statements made by Member States and groups. We strongly expect the Co-Chairs to facilitate a fair discussion based on the facts and the accurate positions of the Member States.
Mr. President,
This year’s Summit of the Future was a landmark opportunity, and next year is the 80th anniversary of the UN.
Let us remind ourselves that during High-level Week in September, almost 120 Member States made statements calling for Security Council reform. This is an even greater number than last year and shows a growing sense of urgency for a more representative, efficient, and effective Council.
To achieve substantial progress towards text-based negotiations, we are eager to see the submission of more models, especially from Africa, so as to forge a consolidated model in the current IGN cycle. At this critical juncture for international peace and security, we must reform the Council so it can better address the serious challenges we face.
Japan is more than ready, and looks forward to fruitful discussions with you all in the coming days and weeks.
The time is now.
I thank you.