On the Extension of the Term of Japan's Assumption of the Chair of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission

July 18, 2008

It has been confirmed that Japan will continue to serve as Chair of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission beyond its original one-year term, which runs through the latter part of June this year, until such time as a next Chair of the Commission is elected. This is in accordance with the decisions by the General Assembly and others on July 11 (New York time) to extend the terms of some of the Commission members as an interim measure.
The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission was established at the 2005 United Nations Summit as an advisory body for the Security Council and the General Assembly. As its second Chair, Japan has been making active efforts to promote and enhance the activities of the Commission, including consolidating its foundation, strengthening its relationship with the principle bodies of the United Nations and relevant institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF, and addressing the challenges facing the Commission's target countries in Africa.
The reason for the extension of Japan’s term is that the United Nations and member states appreciated the work that Japan had done as Chair of the Commission and hoped it might continue to serve in that capacity. Responding to these expectations, Japan is determined to do its best to lead the activities of the Commission for the remainder of its term.

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