Statement by H.E. Mr. Koro Bessho

Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

At the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council

Under the Agenda Item “Implementation of the note

by the President of the Security Council (S/2010/507):

Security Council Working Methods”

19 July 2016

 

 

          Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to all Member States for participating in what I believe is an important and timely open debate to share their valuable views.  Please allow me to take the floor first so that I can provide the broad context of this debate.

 

          The working methods are crucial to the Security Council in fulfilling its responsibility to act promptly and effectively for international peace and security.  This is why Japan has attached great importance to codifying, improving and implementing the working methods of the Council.

 

          In 2006, the first note 507 by the President of the Security Council was compiled.  It set forth clearly the Council’s practices at the time to enhance transparency, efficiency and inclusiveness of its working methods. 

 

          Today marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of this note.  Over the last decade, the Security Council has made further progress in codifying and improving its working methods, most notably in the form of a revised note 507 of 2010.  We are pleased with the many positive feedbacks on the note 507 as a useful handbook, particularly for newly elected members. 

 

          Yet, it is important for the Council to review the progress periodically and make necessary adjustments.  In the coming months, the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions intends to work toward a revised note 507.  Some measures may need to be revisited and adjusted.  Some others may need further efforts for enhanced implementation.  Decisions contained in a number of separate additional notes may need to be consolidated and streamlined.  Today, I convened this open debate because I thought that the Council would benefit greatly from listening closely to the views of the wider United Nations membership, in addition to accumulating best practices within the Council.

 

          This is not to say that the Council has not made progress.  Let me refer to some concrete examples.  To take full advantage of the elections of the non-permanent members being carried out earlier from this year on, Japan, as the Chair, proposed that the Informal Working Group revisit the transitional arrangements for the newly elected members of the Council. 

 

          I am delighted to draw your attention to the fact that, after intensive discussions, the Council has just adopted on 15 July a new presidential note S/2016/619, which made improvements to the transitional arrangements.  With this note, the newly elected members are now invited to observe the Council meetings from 1 October.  The selection process of the Chairs of subsidiary organs will be carried out by this date and in a more transparent and inclusive manner.  I am convinced that this will benefit not only the newly elected members in preparing more sufficiently but also the Council as a whole in functioning much more effectively right from the beginning of the year.

 

          Enhancing transparency is another area where, though it may not be fully satisfactory for the wider membership, the Security Council has made consistent efforts over the recent years.

 

          As President of the Security Council, I am conducting a press stakeout after every session of informal consultations, though there is a limit to the contents that I can share. 

 

          I also welcome the holding of informal wrap-up briefing sessions which are now becoming a practice over the recent years.  In an effort to continue and build upon this good practice, on 29 July, I will hold an informal wrap-up briefing session with the participation of several other Council members as briefers.  I look forward to seeing many Council members as well as non-Council members there.

 

          The participation of many in today’s debate reflects the strong interest of the wider membership.  Voices of all Member States of the United Nations are valuable for making the Council more effective.  As the Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, I intend to listen to you closely, and will follow up your specific practical suggestions in the process of revising the note 507.

 

          I would like to conclude my remarks by stating that improving working methods is not the end of the story. An enlarged Security Council which reflects the geopolitical realities of the 21st century can be more effective in dealing with unprecedented challenges we face today.  Japan will continue to work with all Member States toward this goal.