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-Ninth Session of the United Nations General Assembly
2024/11/5
(As delivered)
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, allow me to start by thanking you for astutely guiding the Committee’s work this session, steering us toward a successful outcome. We are equally grateful to all the members of the Bureau and the Secretariat for their valuable support, as well as to Under-Secretary-General Fleming for her enlightening briefing on the strategic outreach of the Department of Global Communications.
We look forward to actively engaging in the important discussions covering today’s agenda item.
Mr. Chair,
As we approach the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, this past year has been one of landmark occasions. The successful adoption of the Pact for the Future, with the Annex of the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration for Future Generations, prove that, even in a challenging global situation, solidarity and multilateralism should, and must, continue to thrive. The Global Digital Compact set a critical goal to work towards an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe and secure digital future for all; and the dissemination of the Global Principles for Information Integrity will bolster this effort by navigating the new possibilities, opportunities and risks brought forth by digital technologies including AI.
Mr. Chair,
On September 13th, Japan took part in the annual Peace Bell Ceremony conducted by the Department of Global Communications in observance of the International Day of Peace.
Cast in 1954 from coins and medals donated from over sixty countries, the peace bell has stood as a symbol of global solidarity ever since, representing the collective will of the international community to always strive for peace.
As the donor of the peace bell, Japan will continue to work towards global solidarity. We commend Under-Secretary-General Fleming and her team for their hard work in putting together this year’s ceremony and hope it continues to serve as a reminder to commit ourselves to peace.
Mr. Chair,
It is an undeniable fact that the Department of Global Communications cannot implement its mandate without the vast global network of UN Information Centres. Orchestrating the outreach and dissemination of information on UN activities to local populations, UN Information Centres fill a critical role in bridging media gaps, conveying news stories in both digital and traditional forms. We commend the efforts of the Director of UNIC Tokyo, Ms. Kaoru Nemoto, and her team, working on behalf of the sole UNIC in Northeast Asia, who tirelessly carry out the vital task of informing the Japanese public about what is happening on the ground at the United Nations. This year, UNIC Tokyo has been promoting the DGC’s campaign “Verified for Climate,” supporting the initiative to address climate-related disinformation. UNIC has been working to disseminate the facts and supporting data, in order to eliminate harmful disinformation as much as possible.
UNIC Tokyo is also playing an important role for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai Japan, centered on the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” which will reveal the collective progress made towards the 2030 Agenda. More than 30 UN entities are coordinating together to showcase exhibits and programming that highlight the UN’s efforts in promoting sustainable development and global cooperation, including a UN Pavilion entitled “United for a Better Future,” which will focus on the sub-theme of “Saving, Empowering, and Connecting Lives Together.” Visitors can expect a dynamic showcase of cutting-edge technologies, cultural exchanges, and solution prototypes for a more sustainable future. We anticipate the Expo will foster international dialogue and cooperation, inspire new ideas for societal advancement, and encourage citizens from all walks of life to work together towards a better world. We look forward to welcoming all of you to Osaka next year from April 13th to October 13th.
Mr. Chair,
Japan remains committed to working together with members of this committee, the Department of Global Communications, and other partners to realize a better information landscape for all.
I thank you, Mr. Chair.