- By Theme
Peacebuilding and the UN
It is said that approximately one billion people in the world, the so-called “Bottom Billion,” are forced to live on less than a dollar per day. Many of them live in societies that are currently experiencing or attempting to recover from conflict, and these fragile states have a high risk of becoming havens for organized crime such as drug trafficking or terrorism. It is also said that many countries which have gone through conflict experience a recurrence of conflict. Therefore, it is an urgent challenge for the international community to consolidate post-conflict peace, to promote economic activity, and to assist in the stable management of society.
In order to achieve sustainable peace, the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) aims to mobilize resources and propose and advise on peacebuilding strategies for countries emerging from conflict, under a coordinated and integrated approach that incorporates elements from immediate post-conflict needs to economic recovery. The Peacebuilding Commission was established in December 2005, jointly by the Security Council and the General Assembly, following the recommendation in the Report of the Secretary General, “In Larger Freedom” in March, 2005, and the Outcome document of the World Summit in September, 2005.
Japan's Activities
Recognizing that efforts to ensure international stability contribute to Japan’s own security and prosperity, Japan places great importance on participating in global peacebuilding efforts and extending assistance to those who are trapped in a vicious cycle of conflict. Japan defines peacebuilding as consolidation of peace and nation-building and takes a multifaceted approach to strengthening the political, economic and social framework of the country in question, while promoting the peace process, security and stability.
Japan has been on the Peacebuilding Commission since its establishment in 2005 and has contributed proactively to the activities of the Commission, including through its chairmanship of the Commission from June 2007 until January 2009. Furthermore, as a member of the Security Council from January 2009 to December 2010, Japan contributed to Security Council discussions on peacebuilding, holding a ministerial meeting on post-conflict peacebuilding while assuming the Council’s Presidency in April 2010. In addition, since Japan assumed the Chairmanship of the PBC Working Group on Lessons Learned in 2011. Japan has sought to build on the accomplishments of Nepal, the previous Chair of the Working Group, by further exploring issues such as national reconciliation, resource mobilization, and economic revitalization. Japan is committed to continuing its active participation in the PBC as the chair of the Working Group on Lessons Learned in the year 2015.
