第74回国連総会第3委員会 議題25「社会開発」に関する宮崎あかね政府代表顧問によるステートメント
令和元年10月1日
(Check against delivery)
Mr. Chair,Allow me to begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to you on your assumption of the position of chair of this Committee. Let me assure you of my delegation’s utmost support to your efforts and leadership, as well as those of the bureau members.
I am attending this Committee as the Special Advisor to the Japanese delegation on the recommendations of seven Japanese women’s NGOs. Since 1957, a representative of Japan’s women’s NGOs has participated in the discussions of this Committee. I will actively participate in this Committee, recognizing that women’s political empowerment and democratic governance are essential to achieve a peaceful and equal civil society.
Mr. Chair,
Japan places great importance on the holistic empowerment of all individuals, including women, persons with disabilities, older persons, youth and LGBTIs. From the perspective of Human Security, we have been taking various measures to realize social development both domestically and internationally.
International efforts are imperative to achieve a society, where no one is left behind. Allow me to introduce examples of Japan’s contributions, particularly in the field of supporting persons with disabilities, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and social development in Africa.
Mr. Chair,
Japan promotes the empowerment and the rights of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive society with respect for diversity. We will make use of the momentum of the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games to promote the active participation of persons with disabilities in various sectors, including sports.
In February 2017, the “Action Plan on Universal Design 2020” was established at the Meeting of the Ministerial Council on Universal Design 2020. Japan will continue to advance measures with regard to “Mental Barrier-Free” and “Universal Design” urban development to realize an inclusive society.
Mr. Chair,
In the field of international health, Japan promotes UHC so that everyone can receive affordable, basic medical service. Japan, as a member of the G7, first raised the issue of UHC at the 2016 G7 Summit, and promoted UHC in Africa at 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) held in the same year. Japan hosted UHC Forum 2017 in Tokyo, and at the 2019 G20 summit in Osaka, Japan organized finance and health ministerial meeting in order to strengthen health financing to achieve UHC. Last month, global leaders sat together and discussed various means of achieving UHC. Japan continues to be committed to implementing measures to achieve UHC.
Mr. Chair,
Since 1993, Japan has led TICAD to strongly support the development of Africa. Specifically, we have been putting forth efforts to achieve “Quality Growth” by promoting robust health systems including UHC supporting education and vocational training for youth, fostering a culture of lawfulness, promoting the rule of law through capacity building in justice and law enforcement systems, and accelerating women’s social advancement. In August this year, Japan held TICAD7 in Yokohama, Japan and expressed its commitment to increase private investment towards Africa.
Mr. Chair,
Since 2014, the Government of Japan has been hosting the World Assembly for Women (“WAW!”) in order to realize a society where women shine. The fifth “WAW!” was held in March of this year, and diverse participants, including men and youth, robust discussions about questions concerning gender equality. The next “WAW!” symposium will be held in Tokyo next April in Tokyo.
My country will continue to address issues surrounding social development by empowering every individual, including women, persons with disabilities, youth, older persons and LGBTIs, as well as by promoting participation of volunteers in the spirit of “leaving no one behind”.
I thank you.