UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS執行理事会2026年次会合における梅津大使ステートメント

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
At the outset, I would like to thank the Executive Coordinator Mr. Kurbanov for his very informative but very candid presentations. Japan also expresses its sincere appreciation to all United Nations Volunteers for their dedicated service in advancing peace, development and human rights around the world in this increasingly challenging period.
 
Japan welcomes the Annual Report of the Administrator on UNV and commends the remarkable results achieved in 2025. We are encouraged to see a record 17,169 UN Volunteers serving across 172 countries and territories in support of 59 UN entities. We also note with appreciation UNV’s continued efforts to improve operational efficiency and deployment processes.
 
Japan values UNV’s efforts to make volunteerism more inclusive. In particular, we welcome the increase in opportunities for volunteers with disabilities and the growing engagement of older volunteers. These efforts demonstrate the value of drawing on diverse talents and experiences.
 
Japan has long supported the UNV Full Funding Programme as an effective modality for advancing UN mandates. In 2025, 128 Japanese nationals served as UN Volunteers globally, including 86 fully funded by Japan. Their contributions in areas such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, peacebuilding, and inclusive development reflect Japan’s development cooperation priorities.
 
We are particularly encouraged by UNV’s efforts to promote intergenerational volunteerism. In this regard, we welcome the example highlighted in the report of a senior volunteer serving with UNDP in Djibouti alongside a younger national volunteer. Such collaboration demonstrates the value of intergenerational knowledge-sharing.
 
Japan also values the close partnership between UNV and the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers programme implemented by JICA. We look forward to further collaboration to strengthen volunteerism and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
 
As we celebrate the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, Japan reaffirms its strong partnership with UNV and its commitment to supporting volunteerism that is inclusive, human-centred and responsive to local needs. Japan believes that volunteerism can play an important role in empowering people, strengthening communities, and promoting inclusion while upholding human dignity.
 
Thank you.