第74回第4委員会における「情報」（議題54）に関する鈴木書記官のステートメント

Mr. Chair,
 
Allow me to first congratulate you on your assumption of the Chair of the Fourth Committee, and other members of the bureau as well on assuming their respective posts this session.
 
My delegation would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the newly appointed Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Ms. Melissa Fleming, and thank her for participating in today’s debate. We look forward to seeing your vision for the Department of Global Communications take shape in the coming weeks and months, particularly in light of the Organization’s upcoming 75^th anniversary. 
 
(DGC / Peace Bell)
 
Mr. Chair,
 
 
On September 20, 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 UN Headquarters.
 
As Under-Secretary-General Fleming reminded us at the opening of the event, the Government of Japan this year dispatched a master gardener from Kyoto to work with the local landscape gardeners from Boston to prune and refresh the Japanese Garden where the bell resides. The plants in that garden, rejuvenated through constant and careful attention, are an enduring testament to the fact that cultivating and communicating peace are core components of the work of the United Nations.
 
(UNIC Tokyo)
 
Mr. Chair,
 
 
The vital work of the Department of Global Communications could not reach the widest possible audience without its vast global network of UN Information Centres, with each providing information on the UN’s activities to local populations in their own languages.
           
As the face of the United Nations in Japan, UNIC Tokyo carries out the important task of informing the Japanese public about the indispensable work of the United Nations.
 
The Centre continues to coordinate with various UN entities in Japan and lead the way in efforts to strengthen private and public partnerships, and also to collaborate with the Tokyo Organising Committee of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
 
As mentioned by the Department of Global Communications in the last committee, the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo is another upcoming global event that offers an opportunity to showcase the Sustainable Development Goals and highlight the role that sports can play for development and peace. Japan greatly appreciates this initiative of the Department of Global Communications in promoting the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and we are ready to support it to succeed.
 
 
Mr. Chair,
 
 
Let me conclude with a simple reminder: the 75^th Anniversary of the United Nations is fast approaching. We have in this milestone a golden communications opportunity to define our objectives, amplify our voices, and inspire collective action.
 
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.