ODA Topics 3
Promoting Efforts toward the Realization of Human Security
Foreign Minister Hayashi delivering a video message at the global launch held online
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) published a Special Report on Human Security in February 2022 (Photo: UNDP)
In his address delivered at the General Debate of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2022, Prime Minister Kishida spoke about the promotion of efforts based on the concept of human security in the new era, as one of the three pillars for realizing the vision of the UN.
Human security is a concept that focuses on each and every human being, and advances nation and community building though the empowerment and protection of individuals to live happily, in dignity, and free from fear and want. Japan has long promoted the concept of human security in the international community. Japan’s Development Cooperation Charter also positions it as the guiding principle that lies at the foundation of Japan’s development cooperation. Human security, which puts the spotlight on individuals, is also aligned with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to realize a society that “leaves no one behind.”
The Government of Japan has made various efforts to promote human security so far, both in terms of the dissemination of the concept and its practical application on the ground. Under Japan’s leadership, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on a shared understanding on human security in 2012. Since 2000, Japan has proactively promoted the concept of human security in the international community on numerous occasions, such as by holding symposiums on human security. The COVID-19 pandemic put the lives, livelihoods, and dignity of people around the world at risk. In response to the situation, then Prime Minister Suga proposed, in his address at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly in September 2020, deepening discussions on a new approach to human security, and the High-level Advisory Panel was later established under the auspices of the UN. Based on the discussions held in this Panel, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) published the Special Report on Human Security in February 2022, and Foreign Minister Hayashi delivered a video message at its global launch held online. This Special Report advocates the need for “human security in the new era” that incorporates the concept of “solidarity,” in addition to the two conventional pillars of human security that are “protection” and “empowerment.” Global issues such as climate change and infectious diseases cannot be resolved by any one country alone, so it is vital for each country and every individual to address them in a coordinated manner and with the spirit of solidarity. The Government of Japan supports the approach of “human security in the new era,” and strives to promote and practice this concept.
Furthermore, through Japan’s leadership, the UN Trust Fund for Human Security was established in 1999 to promote the implementation of human security in the field. By FY2021, Japan had contributed a total of approximately 49 billion yen to this fund. The trust fund has supported 282 projects implemented by UN agencies to ensure human security in over 100 countries and regions by the end of 2021.
Japan will continue to play a leading role in the international community toward the realization of human security.