Press Releases
Courtesy Call on Foreign Minister Kamikawa by Ms. Elizabeth Spehar,
Assistant Secretary General for Peacebuilding Support, United Nations
May 31, 2024
On May 31, commencing at 2:05 p.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary General for Peacebuilding Support, the United Nations. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that Peacebuilding has consistently been Japan’s priority as it hosted two Open Debates as signature events of its Presidencies of the UN Security Council and that she looks forward to working closely with Assistant Secretary General(ASG) Spehar including for the Summit of the Future this September.
- In response, ASG Spehar highly appreciated Japan's contributions in the field of peacebuilding, especially its long-standing effort in Africa. Pointing out that a large part of UN assistance, including through the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), is directed to Africa, ASG Spehar stated that such effort is becoming even more important and she looks forward to further contribution by Japan as a Member of the Security Council.
- Furthermore, Minister Kamikawa stated that, as response to various crises is tested today in places such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan, implementing WPS perspectives is crucial. She stressed that, during her recent visit to Africa, she was reminded the importance of the WPS perspectives while incorporating the expertise of those working in the field. In response, ASG Spehar emphasized that Minister Kamikawa is a big champion of WPS and that Secretary General António Guterres is of the view that the UN must respond to the issues surrounding women urgently. Minister Kamikawa stated that she wants to promote further cooperation in the field of WPS and ASG Spehar expressed her strong agreement.
- The two sides concurred on the importance of reflecting the voice of youth in the discussion at the UN to further advance peacebuilding.
- They also discussed issues including strengthening the coordination between the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and the Security Council and increasing Japanese staff at the UN.