第二委員会の再活性化における第2回非公式討議における古川書記官ステートメント

Thank you, Mr. Chair,
 
Japan expresses its appreciation to the Bureau for convening today’s meeting and for advancing discussions on the revitalization of the Second Committee, including through the presentation of the updated Roadmap.
 
In response to the questions circulated by the Bureau, Japan would like to comment on the informal consultations under the agenda item on the programme of work of the second committee and make several suggestions aimed at improving the efficiency of the consultation process.
 
First, we encourage the circulation of zero-drafts well in advance of the start of informal consultations to allow delegations sufficient time to review the text and prepare substantive inputs.
 
Second, we believe greater use of written submissions could improve efficiency. Depending on the resolution under consideration, delegations could submit their initial comments in writing, rather than reading comments one-by-one during the first few rounds of informal consultations.
 
Facilitators and co-facilitators could circulate a compilation text incorporating these written comments in advance of the informal consultations. To facilitate this process, the facilitators and co-facilitators may require additional time prior to the start of the informal consultations. One possible solution would be to use the first week to compile and consolidate Member States’ written submissions.
 
Such a process would shorten the duration of the informal consultations, while allowing Member States to use meeting time to explain the rationale behind their comments and engage in more substantive discussions.
 
Finally, when draft proposals entail PBIs, proponents should take responsibility for providing early and clear explanations on the PBI to Member States. This would enhance transparency and predictability in the negotiation process and contribute to a more efficient workflow in the Second Committee.
 
Mr. Chair,
          
Japan will make additional comments on the Second Committee General Debate and the dialogues with the Executive Secretaries of regional commissions in due course.
 
For now, we would like to underline the importance of proceeding in a transparent and inclusive manner, taking into account the views of all Member States, and maintaining a clear focus on our shared objective of revitalizing the work of the Second Committee.
 
Japan will continue to contribute constructively to these discussions and looks forward to further progress.
 
I thank you, Mr. Chair.