Statement by Ms. YOSHIDA Aya, Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, on the Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly
2025/11/13
(As delivered)
Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to congratulate and thank Ambassador Cornel Feruță and Ambassador Mathu Joyini for their able leadership in steering the Ad Hoc Working Group, now known as Working Group on the Strengthening and Revitalizing of the Work of the General Assembly.
At a time when global challenges are more complex and interconnected than ever, Japan reaffirms its conviction that the General Assembly (GA), as the most inclusive and representative organ of the United Nations, must be at the center of global deliberation and consensus-building. Capturing this momentum of the consensus adoption of Resolution 79/327, we should strive to work together to advance the effectiveness and efficiency of the GA.
In addition, the annual discussion on the GA’s revitalization is not a mere procedural exercise; it is an essential and continuous process of improvement to ensure that the UN remains fit for purpose, particularly as we look towards outcome of the ongoing UN80 Initiative. The said resolution 79/327 continues the pragmatic reforms and strengthening of our working methods. Today I would like to touch upon four main points of the resolution.
In addition, the annual discussion on the GA’s revitalization is not a mere procedural exercise; it is an essential and continuous process of improvement to ensure that the UN remains fit for purpose, particularly as we look towards outcome of the ongoing UN80 Initiative. The said resolution 79/327 continues the pragmatic reforms and strengthening of our working methods. Today I would like to touch upon four main points of the resolution.
First, Japan strongly welcomes the decisive steps to streamline the Assembly’s working methods, including measures like the “one- gavel approach” for GA resolutions that Main Committees have previously discussed and further utilization of the General Committee as well as ongoing discussions in the Main Committees. Japan encourages fellow Member States to harness concrete measures for more effective work at the General Assembly. For instance, we should consider how we can streamline “the frequency, length and number of the resolutions” while avoiding negative implications on the substantive work of the General Assembly or the necessary mandates. The spirit of Resolution 79/327 should guide our action throughout this 80th session to ensure more focused deliberations.
Second, we commend the continued roll-out and encouragement of the use of the digital handbook on the General Assembly’s role in peace and security. The timely update and wider dissemination of all institutional information, including the digital handbook, are vital for strengthening the institutional memory and transparency that are foundational for effective governance and decision- making. We believe this is an effective tool for strengthening the GA’s role as a complement to the work of the Security Council.
Third, the resolution correctly emphasizes closer coordination among UN organs, particularly between GA, the Security Council, ECOSOC, and PBC. The PBC's advisory, bridging and convening role is vital in enabling this Assembly to fulfil its greater responsibilities in peacebuilding and sustaining peace.
Third, the resolution correctly emphasizes closer coordination among UN organs, particularly between GA, the Security Council, ECOSOC, and PBC. The PBC's advisory, bridging and convening role is vital in enabling this Assembly to fulfil its greater responsibilities in peacebuilding and sustaining peace.
Lastly, as we select the next Secretary-General in this difficult time of the Organization, Japan strongly hopes that the Security Council and the General Assembly in the current and subsequent sessions take appropriate steps in line with the resolution, including the practice of delivering vision statements by candidates, convening interactive dialogues, as well as regularly updating a public list of candidates, which would facilitate all Member States to engage in the selection process of the Secretary General in a transparent manner. Japan would like to reiterate the importance of continued efforts of further enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and predictability in the selection and appointment of the Secretary- General, as we proposed during our term in the Security Council in 2017, outlined in the UN document under A/71/774-S/2017/93.
Mr. President,
Looking ahead to UN80’s mandate efficiency pillar, while recognizing that full implementation of existing mandates is critical, we must commit to addressing institutional inefficiencies through their rationalization. Japan remains a long-standing advocate for the utilization of expiry clauses. This proposal is aimed squarely at eliminating redundancies and ensuring the Assembly can focus on its most crucial tasks. As stated in paragraph 27 of the resolution, we are looking forward to receiving concrete proposals from the Secretariat within the framework of the UN80 Initiative. We expect the efforts we make for a more effective General Assembly to parallel the UN80 Initiative as well.
In closing, Japan remains committed to fostering an effective, efficient, and vital General Assembly, working closely with the P GA and all Member States to address global challenges.
I thank you.