Statement by Ms. YOSHIDA Aya, Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, on Agenda Item 53: Questions relating to Information, Fourth Committee, Seventy-Eighth Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Madame Chair,
 
Allow me to extend my warmest wishes and gratitude to you and your team for your work in successfully chairing this year’s Committee. My delegation would also like to take this opportunity to thank Under-Secretary-General Fleming for her informative briefing on the work of the Department of Global Communications.
 
We greatly appreciate the DGC’s efforts to fulfil its mandate and we stand ready to work with you during this upcoming session.
 

Madame Chair,
 
2023 has marked a renewed focus and commitment to information integrity. In the wake of multiple global crises and an international order pushed to its brink, the right for people to access accurate information and to be empowered in their decision making is critical. A new method of enhancing media literacy and instilling social resilience is needed.
 
The Code of Conduct, rooted in the Secretary-General’s policy brief on Information Integrity on Digital Platforms, is the response to this cry. Along with other key DGC initiatives, such as #NoToHate, the Code serves as a positive step to restoring a healthy online atmosphere. Japan recognizes the threat of disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech against all areas of development, and fully supports the Department in its efforts to curtail these threats. We further support the Department’s twin principles in addressing online harms and upholding human rights and echo the calls for meaningful transparency in the field of AI.
 
We look forward to the Code of Conduct next summer, and you can count on our active participation in all related processes.
 

Madame Chair,
 
We are aware of how pervasive mis and disinformation have grown within our lives, spreading false narratives, inspiring violence, and hindering our ability to achieve the sustainable development goals. Our online landscape is at risk. We must pursue a digital ecosystem compatible with human dignity.
 
It is here where the work of the UN Information Centers shines brightest, inspiring actionable hope by directly engaging with citizens in 134 languages. Information has convening power. As the face of the United Nations in Northeast Asia, UNIC Tokyo carries out the important task of informing the public about the indispensable work of the United Nations, including the Code of Conduct. We trust UNIC Tokyo will answer the DGC’s call to engage with stakeholders in this regard, and we look forward to the outcomes of these consultations.
 
The Director of UNIC Tokyo, Ms. NEMOTO Kaoru, and her team are emblematic of UNIC’s capacity for meaningful stakeholder engagement, working tirelessly to promote the SDGs. In particular, we wish to commend her attendance at this year’s SDG Media Booth during the High-Level Week, where she moderated several sessions on using science and mobilizing media to accelerate transformation and achieve the sustainable development goals. Ms. Nemoto also served as a speaker on a panel moderated by the DGC on the SDG Media Compact and UNIC Tokyo’s joint campaign “Promise of 1.5°C. Act Now to Stop Global Warming.” As of 20 September 2023, over 155 Japanese companies have joined the Compact, leveraging the power of the media in support of climate action.
 

Madame Chair,
 
The upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is a further opportunity to build on the work set out by UNIC Tokyo. Centered around the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” Expo 2025 will act as a critical checkpoint before 2030, ensuring that we are on task. To this end, Japan has implemented Team Expo 2025, collaborating with diverse participants to put into practice the Expo’s themes of building an ideal future as well as achieving the SDGs. The Team recently launched a co-creation challenge, encouraging individuals to work together to find solutions and showcasing submissions at the best practices site. As we approach 2025, we encourage you to keep an eye out for updates and look forward to collaborating with the DGC to promote the United Nations at the Expo. We hope to see many of you in Osaka.
 
Allow me to also take this opportunity to personally thank the DGC for its work in organizing this year’s Peace Bell Ceremony, as well as to extend our gratitude to USG Fleming for taking part in our Ceremonial Tea Offering for Peace, co-hosted with the Urasenke School and its Grandmaster, Dr. Genshitsu Sen. The spirit of solidarity present in both events is one we shall continue to carry as we move forward with consultations within this Committee throughout the year.


Madame Chair,
 
Two years away from the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, and seven years out from Agenda 2030, the 78th Session of the General Assembly stands at a crucial inflection point. The time for reflection has ended; we must now move forward with bold ambition, taking concrete steps to achieve the SDGs and improve our information landscape without leaving anyone behind.
 
For our part, Japan remains committed to working together with members of this committee, the Department of Global Communications, and other partners in pursuit of progress.
 
I thank you, Madame Chair.