第77回国連総会第4委員会議題50「情報」に関する坂之上書記官のステートメント

Mr. Chair, 
 
Allow me to thank you and your team for your work in successfully Chairing this year’s Committee. My delegation would also like to take this opportunity to thank Under-Secretary-General Fleming for her informative briefing yesterday on the work of the Department of Global Communications.
 
We look forward to actively engaging with the important discussions covering today’s agenda item.
  
 
1.  (DGC / Peace Bell)
 
Mr. Chair,
 
On September 16th, in observation of the International Day of Peace, Japan took part in the annual Peace Bell Ceremony conducted by the Department of Global Communications at the UN Headquarters. 
 
Cast in 1954 from coins and medals donated from over sixty countries, the peace bell has stood as a symbol of global solidarity ever since, representing the collective will of the international community to always strive for peace. It is this solidarity we must draw upon as the foundations of our international order are put to the test, threatening the safety and security of citizens around the world.
 
As the donor of the peace bell, Japan will continue to work to maintain international order and global solidarity. We commend the Under-Secretary-General Fleming and her team for their hard work in putting together this year’s ceremony, and hope it will serve as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to our goals.


2.  (UNIC Tokyo and 2025 Expo)
 
Mr. Chair,
 
The Department of Global Communications could not fully implement its crucial work without the vast global network of UN Information Centers, each of which provides information on UN activities to local populations in their languages. As the face of the United Nations in Northeast Asia, UNIC Tokyo carries out the important task of informing the Japanese public about the indispensable work of the United Nations, translating Secretary-General’s messages and organizing outreach events. 
 
Throughout the pandemic, the Centre has continued to actively coordinate with various UN entities in Japan and to operate in a unified manner in disseminating important policies. In particular, we wish to commend the Director of UNIC Tokyo, Ms. Kaoru Nemoto, and her team on their work in promoting awareness of the sustainable development goals, which aim for a society in which no one is left behind. Earlier this year, UNIC Tokyo, in collaboration with partners from the SDG Media Compact, launched the joint campaign “Promise of 1.5°C. Act Now to Stop Global Warming” to leverage the power of the media in support of climate action. As of October 17th, around 300 companies have joined the SDG Media Compact, 193 of which are Japanese. It is thanks to their instrumental efforts that over 80% of Japanese citizens can recognize the symbol of the SDGs and speak on them, increasing momentum within Japan to achieve the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda.
 
The upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is a further opportunity to build on the work set out by UNIC Tokyo. Centered around the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” Expo 2025 will act as a crucial point before 2030, ensuring that we are on task. To this end, Japan will introduce its national strategy, “Society 5.0,” which envisions a human-centered and sustainable society powered by digital technologies. Given that the world is facing more complex and interconnected problems, the need for a digital-based solution which can resolve a variety of issues on a global scale is more important than ever.
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Expo 2020 Dubai was a resounding success, enhanced by the DGC’s work in showcasing the UN’s goals to the public. We commend our colleagues from the UAE and the DGC for their efforts, and hope to replicate this same spirit of collaboration in Osaka.
 

3. (Conclusion)
 
Mr. Chair,
 
The 77th Session of the General Assembly faces unprecedented global crises and demands a need for collective action and solidarity.
 
For our part, Japan remains committed to working together with members of this committee, the Department of Global Communications, and other partners in pursuit of that goal. 
 
I thank you, Mr. Chair.