Statement by Minister Mikio Mori
Delegation of Japan
On the 31st Committee on Information

5 May 2009

Mr. Chairman,

I would first like to emulate the previous speakers in congratulating Ambassador Antonio Pedro Monteiro Lima of Cape Verde, on your election as Chairman of the Committee on Information, and I am confident that the 31st Session of the Committee will be successfully conducted under eminent leadership. Japan will extend its full support to you and the bureau of the Committee and actively participate in the discussion. I would also like to welcome the comprehensive statement on the activities of the Department of Public Information (DPI) delivered by Under-Secretary-General Kiyo Akasaka. I hope that DPI will continue to work to enhance its effectiveness, fulfill accountability, and actively engage in public relations activities of the United Nations.

Japan highly appreciates DPI which sets out the four priority themes: MDGs and development; peace and security; human rights; and climate change. It is crucial for DPI to identify priorities and strategically communicate to the world, promptly and accurately, about the roles and missions of the United Nations. In particular, during the course of this year, the Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Development and the High-level event on climate change will be held respectively in June and September by the initiatives of the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Miguel d'Escoto Brockman and the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon. Japan expects DPI to conduct effective public information activities in order to mobilize the interests of the global community toward such important events and foster its greater awareness on the priority agenda of the United Nations.

Furthermore, we hope that DPI will continue to enhance the efficiency of its activities by coordinating within its organs, networking with other UN organizations, and creating partnerships with civil societies among others within its existing resources in light of the importance of financial discipline. In this context, Japan supports DPI's idea to convert the "UN Chronicle" into "UN Affairs" magazine under the condition that it will be implemented within existing resources as clearly stated by Under-Secretary-General Kiyo Akasaka at the last meeting of the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly.

As you are aware, the current unprecedented economic and financial crisis challenges the post-war world systems, in particular, the international financial regime, and raises concerns that it will seriously affect the achievement of internationally agreed development goals including the MDGs. It is therefore essential for the international community to correctly address this problem. While inter-governmental negotiations are on-going, Security Council reform should be realized in conformity with the 21st century's reality. Japan continues to fight against terrorism and actively work on the issues of disarmament and non-proliferation. In this regard, Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, made a statement on 27 April 2009 entitled "11 Benchmarks for Global Nuclear Disarmament" and presented his article in the Wall Street Journal related to this subject on 30 April. We also are acting to contribute positively and constructively to the discussions undertaken by the third Preparatory Committee for the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons which has just started this week here in the UN. Considering the importance of cooperation in the field of peacebuilding and recovery of post-conflict countries, we actively engage with the activities of the PBC. Furthermore, to effectively face global issues such as conflicts or infections diseases, including new types of influenzas, our country promotes the concept of "human security" which, by focusing on individual people, aims to build countries and societies, allowing them to realize their full potential through their own protection and empowerment. In order to continue to tackle those imperative agenda items of the United Nations, we wish DPI to continue its efficient activities to publicize these key issues.

Regarding the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Tokyo, our government believes that it is indispensable for UNIC Tokyo to ensure its accountability and would like to continue close cooperation with DPI in order to realize sound management and to strengthen activities of UNIC Tokyo.

Mr. Chairman,

In conclusion, Japan reiterates its commitment to continue its support of DPI's activities as it works to provide the world with accurate and timely information on the Organization.

Thank you.

Related Information (United Nations)
Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations Official Web Site