Opening Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the 60th Anniversary of Japan’s Membership to the United Nations
19 December 2016

 

 

Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us tonight.

I would also like to thank Ms. Christina Gallach, Under-Secretary-General for the Department for Public Information, for being our master of ceremony this evening.

 

18 December 1956 was the day Japan realized aspiration to become a member of the United Nations.

 

Since then, Japan has supported the UN as a cornerstone of its foreign policy because we, the people and Government of Japan, strongly believe in the three primary missions of the UN, namely peace and security, development and human rights.

 

Japan has contributed to the UN in all its facets. We are proud to have long been the second largest financial contributor to the organization whilst many of our nationals continue to make substantial contributions both here in New York and on the field. Furthermore, Japan has continued to contribute to UN peacekeeping operations, from Cambodia to East Timor, and more recently, in South Sudan.

 

Japan has also given its full-fledged support to the two recent success stories at the United Nations; adoptions of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

 

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Japan’s admission to the United Nations, I would like to take the opportunity to renew our firm commitment to further enhance the cooperation between Japan and the United Nations.

 

Before closing, let me briefly explain the Plaster Wall Event tonight, which has as its concept “Compassion for Earth.”

 

The large Japanese plaster wall in front of you was crafted by

Mr. Naoki Kusumi, a Master Plasterer and his colleagues.

 

It is a product of expert craftsmanship passed on through generations of unique Japanese tradition of giving the finishing touches to your home.  At the same time, it is made from the soil, one of the most basic elements of nature, found in every corner of the globe.

 

For me, this illustrates what makes every society unique as well as the common bonds that all humanity inherently shares.

 

The giant Japanese plaster wall in front of you also serves as a platform for you to engrave your messages of peace in different languages.

 

In doing so, we are hopefully reminded that humans, regardless of religion, belief or ethnicity, can and must co-exist and prosper on the soils that we share.

 

Lastly, I would like to thank our generous supporters the Dewazakura brewery, Genji Sushi and Whole Foods Market.

 

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

 

END