国連総会議題115「国連の活動」に関する総会本会議公式会合における大菅大使ステートメント
令和3年1月28日
(As delivered)
Mr. Vice President,
Distinguished Representatives,
Let me begin by thanking the President for convening this important meeting and the Secretary-General for sharing his priorities. This meeting provides a valuable opportunity for the Member States and the UN Organization to share priorities and consolidate the basis of our work for 2021.
I will focus my remarks on five areas where Japan deems the UN’s role particularly important and intends to work closely with the Organization throughout this year.
First and foremost, we must build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic. So many meetings, programmes and plans mentioned during this same meeting one year ago had to be cancelled or postponed. We are starting to see the light at end of the tunnel, but can get there only by acting in solidarity to leave no one’s health behind. As the SG report says, “no one is safe until everyone is safe” and “Social protection systems for the future must include universal health coverage.”
Japan has contributed to the ACT Accelerator including the COVAX facility to ensure fair and equitable access to health services for all. To better prepare and respond to future crises, the WHO review and reform as well as strengthening of health systems especially in developing countries are also crucial. To this end, Japan has been supporting regional efforts, in particular the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases. Japan has also supported efforts by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Second, the 2030 Agenda is already on the brink of failing due to the pandemic and its dire socioeconomic consequences. Both Member States and the Organization will have to work effectively to reach the targets. Effective implementation calls for coordination and not working in silos which becomes possible by placing the most vulnerable people at the center and by delivering to those most in need. Such human security approach should guide the work of the Organization towards achieving the SDGs.
From this perspective, we welcome the special reference to the development of Africa in the SG report. Japan looks forward to working closely with UNOSAA, UNDP, the World Bank and the AU Commission, which are the co-organizers of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), looking ahead to TICAD 8 to be held in Tunisia in 2022.
Third, the world can afford no further delay in addressing climate change. Japan declared that it will realize a carbon-neutral society by 2050 and formulated the Green Growth Strategy to create a virtuous cycle of the economy and the environment. We will lead and contribute to the global transition towards a decarbonized world, looking ahead to COP26 and beyond.
Adaptation to climate change is a pressing issue of human security. Based on the GA resolution 75/216 on disaster risk reduction adopted last December, Japan will work closely with the UN to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework towards its midterm review in 2023. Japan will support the special needs of small island developing states in tackling the impending challenge of climate change.
Fourth, the multifaceted risk posed by COVID-19 must not jeopardize peace and security, both internationally and domestically. Based on Japan’s long-standing policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace,” we will work closely with the UN, a key player in peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding. Japan will continue to play an active role in the Peacebuilding Commission and promote institution and capacity building that are essential to sustaining peace.
In the same vein, Japan stresses the critical importance of realizing a meaningful outcome of the 10th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). All States Parties need to renew their commitments to upholding and strengthening the Treaty and make every effort for the shared goal of realizing a world without nuclear weapons. With a view to enhancing international cooperation in the area of the rule of law and justice, Japan will host the 14th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Kyoto in March.
Last but not least, all these joint efforts to overcome the challenges will lack teeth if the Organization remains outdated and ineffective. We strongly encourage the Member States and the Co-facilitators of the Intergovernmental Negotiations to “instil new life” in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council, as was committed by our Leaders in their declaration to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
To conclude, Japan looks forward to working hand-in-hand with the UN, Member States and other stakeholders throughout 2021 and beyond to respond to current and future challenges and to advance our common agenda.
Thank you.
Distinguished Representatives,
Let me begin by thanking the President for convening this important meeting and the Secretary-General for sharing his priorities. This meeting provides a valuable opportunity for the Member States and the UN Organization to share priorities and consolidate the basis of our work for 2021.
I will focus my remarks on five areas where Japan deems the UN’s role particularly important and intends to work closely with the Organization throughout this year.
First and foremost, we must build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic. So many meetings, programmes and plans mentioned during this same meeting one year ago had to be cancelled or postponed. We are starting to see the light at end of the tunnel, but can get there only by acting in solidarity to leave no one’s health behind. As the SG report says, “no one is safe until everyone is safe” and “Social protection systems for the future must include universal health coverage.”
Japan has contributed to the ACT Accelerator including the COVAX facility to ensure fair and equitable access to health services for all. To better prepare and respond to future crises, the WHO review and reform as well as strengthening of health systems especially in developing countries are also crucial. To this end, Japan has been supporting regional efforts, in particular the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases. Japan has also supported efforts by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Second, the 2030 Agenda is already on the brink of failing due to the pandemic and its dire socioeconomic consequences. Both Member States and the Organization will have to work effectively to reach the targets. Effective implementation calls for coordination and not working in silos which becomes possible by placing the most vulnerable people at the center and by delivering to those most in need. Such human security approach should guide the work of the Organization towards achieving the SDGs.
From this perspective, we welcome the special reference to the development of Africa in the SG report. Japan looks forward to working closely with UNOSAA, UNDP, the World Bank and the AU Commission, which are the co-organizers of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), looking ahead to TICAD 8 to be held in Tunisia in 2022.
Third, the world can afford no further delay in addressing climate change. Japan declared that it will realize a carbon-neutral society by 2050 and formulated the Green Growth Strategy to create a virtuous cycle of the economy and the environment. We will lead and contribute to the global transition towards a decarbonized world, looking ahead to COP26 and beyond.
Adaptation to climate change is a pressing issue of human security. Based on the GA resolution 75/216 on disaster risk reduction adopted last December, Japan will work closely with the UN to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework towards its midterm review in 2023. Japan will support the special needs of small island developing states in tackling the impending challenge of climate change.
Fourth, the multifaceted risk posed by COVID-19 must not jeopardize peace and security, both internationally and domestically. Based on Japan’s long-standing policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace,” we will work closely with the UN, a key player in peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding. Japan will continue to play an active role in the Peacebuilding Commission and promote institution and capacity building that are essential to sustaining peace.
In the same vein, Japan stresses the critical importance of realizing a meaningful outcome of the 10th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). All States Parties need to renew their commitments to upholding and strengthening the Treaty and make every effort for the shared goal of realizing a world without nuclear weapons. With a view to enhancing international cooperation in the area of the rule of law and justice, Japan will host the 14th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Kyoto in March.
Last but not least, all these joint efforts to overcome the challenges will lack teeth if the Organization remains outdated and ineffective. We strongly encourage the Member States and the Co-facilitators of the Intergovernmental Negotiations to “instil new life” in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council, as was committed by our Leaders in their declaration to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
To conclude, Japan looks forward to working hand-in-hand with the UN, Member States and other stakeholders throughout 2021 and beyond to respond to current and future challenges and to advance our common agenda.
Thank you.