国連PKOの戦略的コミュニケーションに関する国連安保理公開討論における大菅大使ステートメント
令和4年7月12日
Mr. President,
Thank you for convening today’s open debate on this increasingly important theme.
Successful strategic communications are important in many ways for effective implementation of peacekeeping mandates. But, I would like to emphasize their utmost importance for the safety and security of peacekeepers, a prerequisite for carrying out any mission. Strategic communications for this purpose as well as for the protection of civilians should be conducted hand in hand with peacekeeping intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
The broader challenges related to strategic communications, including countering misinformation and disinformation, is well beyond technical issues that may be addressed through skill training for peacekeepers and mission leadership or by introducing advanced information technology. They relate to ensuring freedom of expression and free access to information in the host state. They also require building of trust in peacekeepers and in the United Nations in general, among the local population, communities and authorities. Therefore, a holistic approach that cuts across the development-humanitarian-peace nexus is needed.
Allow me to elaborate on a few factors for effective strategic communications, based on Japan’s own experience in the field.
First, enhancement of communication capabilities of each peacekeeping mission requires a bottom-up approach adapted to respective local contexts. As a longstanding contributor to peacekeeping training, we are convinced that capacity-building efforts must be tailor-made, and that a fit-for-all approach will not suffice. I encourage the UN Secretariat to collect best practices and examples of successful strategic communications on the ground.
Second, Member States also have a critical role to play to improve the strategic communications by providing support to the host countries and communities. For instance, in South Sudan between 2012 and 2018, Japan provided technical assistance to the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation in conjunction with the activities of UNMISS, including those by Japan Self-Defense Forces. JICA provided technical assistance and training to the Broadcasting Corporation and its staff, and helped disseminate the strategic vision for peace and stability.
We encourage others to share such good practices in this Council and in the Peacebuilding Commission to have better understanding on “strategic communications” which is easier said than done. Japan stands ready to continue to play its part.
Thank you.
Thank you for convening today’s open debate on this increasingly important theme.
Successful strategic communications are important in many ways for effective implementation of peacekeeping mandates. But, I would like to emphasize their utmost importance for the safety and security of peacekeepers, a prerequisite for carrying out any mission. Strategic communications for this purpose as well as for the protection of civilians should be conducted hand in hand with peacekeeping intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
The broader challenges related to strategic communications, including countering misinformation and disinformation, is well beyond technical issues that may be addressed through skill training for peacekeepers and mission leadership or by introducing advanced information technology. They relate to ensuring freedom of expression and free access to information in the host state. They also require building of trust in peacekeepers and in the United Nations in general, among the local population, communities and authorities. Therefore, a holistic approach that cuts across the development-humanitarian-peace nexus is needed.
Allow me to elaborate on a few factors for effective strategic communications, based on Japan’s own experience in the field.
First, enhancement of communication capabilities of each peacekeeping mission requires a bottom-up approach adapted to respective local contexts. As a longstanding contributor to peacekeeping training, we are convinced that capacity-building efforts must be tailor-made, and that a fit-for-all approach will not suffice. I encourage the UN Secretariat to collect best practices and examples of successful strategic communications on the ground.
Second, Member States also have a critical role to play to improve the strategic communications by providing support to the host countries and communities. For instance, in South Sudan between 2012 and 2018, Japan provided technical assistance to the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation in conjunction with the activities of UNMISS, including those by Japan Self-Defense Forces. JICA provided technical assistance and training to the Broadcasting Corporation and its staff, and helped disseminate the strategic vision for peace and stability.
We encourage others to share such good practices in this Council and in the Peacebuilding Commission to have better understanding on “strategic communications” which is easier said than done. Japan stands ready to continue to play its part.
Thank you.