3 International Cooperation Based on Multilateralism

While the global spread of COVID-19 is demanding more international cooperation than ever, Japan is pursuing peace and prosperity domestically and internationally through international cooperation via multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations.

To tackle the human security crisis arising from COVID-19, guided by the principle of “leaving no one's health behind,” Japan is leading international discussions aimed at achieving universal health coverage at opportunities such as the G7, the G20 and the UN General Assembly, and taking initiative as a cosponsor of the ACT Accelerator,² a framework for international cooperation to ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatment, including by developing countries. Furthermore, along with efforts to overcome the infectious diseases crises, Japan is also swiftly implementing bilateral and multilateral cooperation including for reinforcement of healthcare systems with a view to future health crises.

Japan has also made various efforts to strengthen its presence in the international community with regard to global challenges. These efforts include the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment (June 2019), which seeks to realize connectivity across the Indian Ocean and the Pacific; leadership for the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision, which aims to reduce additional pollution by marine plastic litter to zero by 2050, and the launch of the MARINE Initiative as a means to realize the vision (June 2019); and the declaration of the goal of realizing carbon-neutrality by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050 (October 2020). Through the proactive and strategic use of ODA, Japan will continue to accelerate efforts to address global challenges such as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In particular, climate change is currently the most important issue to address. With a view to realizing carbon-neutrality by 2050, Japan is taking steps to address climate change domestically while also working with other countries to lead efforts by the international community, including the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) scheduled for 2021, toward world-wide realization of a decarbonized society, which the Paris Agreement is aiming for.

As the international community confronts an array of crises such as COVID-19, the crucial role of the UN to unite the international community has never been more necessary. Therefore, in order for the UN to carry out its required functions effectively, the international community needs to take serious steps to reform the UN for the post-COVID-19 era. In particular, while making efforts toward beginning concrete negotiations aimed at the reform of the UN Security Council, Japan is seeking to be elected in the UN Security Council non-permanent membership election in 2022 as a means to further contribute to peace and stability in the international community. Japan will also actively address a wide variety of international issues through UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs) and opportunities such as the 14th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (March 2021).

Amid increasing complexity and uncertainty of the international situation, Japan will harness its presence to coordinate international efforts on the global stage and demonstrate its leadership toward resolving diverse problems with a sense of responsibility and purpose.

• 2 ACT Accelerator: Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator