Statement by Mr. Katsuhiko Takahashi

Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations

At the Thematic Debate of the General Assembly

On the UN and Global Economic Governance

15 April 2013

 

 

Madame Moderator,

 

      My delegation welcomes the expansion of the interface between the UN and the G20. The recent practice of holding briefings on a regular basis has proven to be successful in terms of better coordination between these two important economic governance bodies. It would be nice to continue this practice in some form regardless of its formalities.

 

      We believe that the United Nations ought to play a key role in global economic governance considering its universality and legitimacy. However, there are gaps between this ideal and reality. My delegation would like to make several suggestions that may fill in some of these gaps.

 

      First, the UN needs to redouble its efforts to enhance coherence, coordination and cooperation in the field of development across the entire UN system. It is extremely important for us to further promote and implement Delivering as One (DaO) on the ground toward the achievement of the MDGs and the realization of a post-2015 development agenda to achieve sustainable development, including poverty eradication. Delivering as One has four main principles: one leader, one budget, one program, and one office.

 

      Second, while there are broad governance challenges in moving toward a green economy and strengthening institutional frameworks for sustainable development, the UN should avoid duplication of work with existing institutions and ensure an effective and coherent linkage among organizations within the UN system, particularly between the High-level Political Forum and ECOSOC. In terms of substance, it is important for all Member States to try to ensure as much coherence and consistency as possible in our negotiations in various processes such as the post-2015 development agenda, the SDGs-OWG, the Financing Committee and the Financing for Development.

 

      Third, the fact that the UN has extremely broad mandates does not mean that it is solely responsible to do everything. The appropriate ‘selection and concentration’ of its work is much needed. In this regard, the UN needs to consider what would constitute the most effective and efficient division of labor, as well as coordination and complementarity, with other international organizations such as the WTO and the World Bank, by considering their respective mandates and expertise. The UN also needs to prioritize those issues that it is supposed to address within its limited resources.

 

      Fourth, the active participation of all stakeholders is of key importance. The UN should continue to enhance its engagement and partnership with non-state actors, including civil society, the private sector and philanthropic organizations and foundations. Furthermore, reflecting the changing landscape of development, public and private development financing sources other than ODA, such as domestic resources, trade, foreign direct investment, and remittances have increased in importance both in terms of quality and quantity.

 

      With regard to one of the recommendations mentioned in paragraph 62 of SG report entitled “Global Economic Governance and Development”, and which says the “G77 could serve as platform for interface with [the] G20”, we think that careful consideration of this recommendation is needed in relation to those Member States which are included in neither the G77 nor the G20.

 

Thank you.