Japan and the United Nations
Attendance by Foreign Minister Kamikawa at the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting for the Summit of the Future
September 21, 2023
On September 21, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Foreign Minister of Japan, who is visiting New York, U.S. for the United Nations General Assembly, delivered a speech at the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting for the Summit of the Future. The overview of the speech is as follows:
- At the outset, Foreign Minister Kamikawa stated that at the midpoint of the SDGs, we gathered in New York to confirm our will to achieve the SDGs. She noted that the lives and security of vulnerable people are under threat from multiple global challenges. She added that, we need to bolster multilateralism, and Japan will proactively contribute to the Summit of the Future.
- Foreign Minister Kamikawa then stated three points referring to Our Common Agenda issued in September 2021 by the Secretary-General.
- The youths and future generations are main actors to shape the world. We should unite ourselves to protect and strengthen “human dignity”.
- We need to continue our efforts to strengthen the General Assembly and make progress in Security Council reform. Japan will lead in curbing the use of the veto, improving access to the Security Council by non-Council members, and increasing its transparency.
- The rule of law is important. Russia must withdraw its troops immediately and unconditionally from Ukraine, respecting the relevant General Assembly resolutions and observing the ICJ order on provisional measures.
- Finally, Foreign Minister Kamikawa expressed that the international community should cooperate in order to safeguard “human dignity” for future generations.
［Reference］Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, KAMIKAWA Yoko (English (PDF)
/ Japanese (PDF) )