安保理作業方法に関する安保理公開討論における御巫大使ステートメント

 
Thank you, Madam President. I thank Denmark for convening this Open Debate on the Implementation of Note 507. I also thank the briefer for the very insightful briefing.
 
Japan welcomes this annual debate, which offers UN Member States a valuable opportunity to put forward proposals for improvements to the Council's working methods under paragraph 111 of the Note.
 
The significance of Note 507 lies in its role in guiding the Security Council to continuously improve its working methods, maintaining the right balance between transparency and efficiency. This is, by its very nature, a work in progress — one that knows no finish line.

Madam President,
 
Since 2006, every time when Japan served as elected member of the Council, Japan chaired the IWG. In 2006, the first Note 507 was adopted, and in 2010, 2017 and most recently in 2024, the Council adopted revised Note 507, negotiated through the IWG chaired by Japan.
 
Japan wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Denmark and Pakistan for their dedication as Co-Chairs of the IWG last year and hopes for continued progress under the next Chair once appointed. Note 507 represents the culmination of years of collective effort — yet its full significance can only be realized through faithful implementation.
 
In this regard, Japan shares the serious concern about the appointment of the chairs of subsidiary bodies for this year expressed by the E10 members in their letter dated 30 July. Eight months into the current term, the chairs have yet to be named. As paragraph 124 of the Note makes clear, Council members are expected to make every effort to agree on such appointment by 1 October of the preceding year. Japan strongly urges that agreement be reached without further delay, through balanced, transparent, efficient and inclusive consultations.

Madam President,
 
In order to enhance the Council's efficiency, informal consultations offer a valuable forum for candid and constructive exchanges, given the complexity and sensitivity of matters handled by the Council. Japan encourages members to make full use of this format, fostering interactive discussions through flexible exchanges between briefers and Council members. Recognizing the important role of informal consultations, Japan considers that the future revision of Note 507 should incorporate provisions promoting more interactive exchange at the informal consultations of the whole.
 
From the perspective of enhancing transparency, Japan has proposed making better use of the Monthly Assessments prepared by the Council presidency. At present, these Assessments are often not submitted or are significantly delayed, undermining the transparency of the Council's work. Japan suggests incorporating the Assessments into the Council's Annual Report as annexes, whereby presidencies would be better positioned to produce more substantive and analytical Assessments in a timely manner.
 
On a related note, the ongoing Secretary-General selection process warrants particular attention. Japan has consistently underscored the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and predictability in the process — a position articulated by Permanent Representative Bessho in 2017. Unfortunately, the process has seen little meaningful change so far, despite our repeated calls. Nevertheless, Japan continues to urge the Council to make further efforts to improve the process so that the UN can be better understood and trusted.
 
In conclusion, Japan reaffirms that improvements to the Council's working methods are directly linked to its fundamental mandate of maintaining international peace and security. It is therefore incumbent upon the Council to continue striving for rules that are more efficient and transparent.
 
I thank you.