Press Releases

G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Summary)

September 26, 2024
Japanese

On September 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (local time), the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, the United States. The overview of the meeting is as follows. (The foreign ministers of G20 members and invited countries, representatives of international organizations and others attended to it. From Japan, Mr. AKAHORI Takeshi, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs attended on behalf of Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko.)

  1. This meeting was held with the theme of global governance reform, and was open to G20 members, invited countries, related international organizations as well as all UN member states. Following to the remarks by H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, and H.E. Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa in the opening session, the representatives of G20 members, invited countries, related international organizations and others each made statements. The discussions were mainly focused on issues such as UN reform, international financial system reform, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) reform, etc.
  2. Senior Deputy Minister Akahori stated the following, including Japan's efforts on UN reform, Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) reform, development finance, WTO reform, and artificial intelligence (AI).
    (1) Introduction
    　The international community is grappling with severe global challenges. Russia still continues its aggression against Ukraine, despite the condemnation by most G20 leaders. The situation in Gaza continues to be serious. To address all the global challenges effectively, we must strengthen the rule of law, protect human dignity, and implement immediate reforms in global governance, taking into account the structural changes in the international community.
    (2) UN Reform
    　Reforming the UN, central to multilateralism, is one of the most pressing issues. With the UN’s 80th anniversary approaching next year, now is the time for reform.The international community faces numerous challenges, including Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, North Korea’s nuclear and missile development, rising tensions in the Middle East, and frequent conflicts and terrorism worldwide. The international community wants the UN, especially the Security Council, to be credible, transparent, and to fulfill its responsibilities in an effective manner.We must turn the Summit of the Future’s recognition of the urgent need to reform the Security Council into concrete action. It’s time to develop a consolidated model and start text-based negotiations. Additionally, the majority of countries, including developing nations, are calling for an expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership.The G20 must support the momentum for UN and Security Council reform and take action.
    (3) MDBs Reform and Development Finance
    　Japan will contribute to advancing MDB evolution by considering each institution’s characteristics and discussions, including those at the Board of Governors meetings. To boost lending capacity for developing countries, it is essential to leverage existing capital and mobilize private capital.Japan played a leading role in a series of Asian Development Fund (ADF) replenishment negotiations and announced a contribution of approximately 162 billion yen, equivalent to approximately 1.1 billion USD making it the largest donor. We also hope for the success of the International Development Association (IDA)21 replenishment. At the same time, addressing the debt problems faced by developing countries is an urgent issue. Swift debt restructuring, including efforts like the G20 Common Framework, is essential. Japan welcomes the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring, marking the first cooperation between Paris Club and non-Paris Club countries to support a middle-income nation, with Japan leading as one of the co-chairs. All creditor and debtor countries, including G20 members, must acknowledge the importance of transparent and fair development finance that adheres to international rules and standards.
    (4) WTO Reform
    　Strengthening the multilateral trading system through reform of the WTO remains crucial. It is essential for the G20 to work together and provide political momentum. In particular, we must expedite discussions to achieve a fully functioning dispute settlement system by the end of this year.
    　In addition, the Joint Statement Initiative (JSI), a new rule-making effort by like-minded countries including Japan, is vital for ensuring that the WTO remains relevant. To incorporate the JSI into the WTO Agreement, it is crucial to obtain the understanding and cooperation of all WTO members. Regarding trade and development, Japan will consider additional preferential measures, in line with last year’s WTO decision, to support the sustainable development of least developed countries after their graduation from the LDC Category.
    (5) AI
    　Under Japan’s presidency last year, the G7 launched the Hiroshima AI Process to enhance international governance of generative AI. This led to the development of the International Guiding Principles and the Code of Conduct. Japan will continue to mitigate AI related risks, including by promoting the implementation of the Guiding Principles and the Code of Conduct. In this context, Japan has been aiding the development of human resources and institution building in the digital sector in developing countries to bridge the digital divide. To ensure safe, secure, and trustworthy AI, Japan will continue to contribute to discussions at the G20.
    (6) Conclusion
    　As the international community confronts multiple crises, it is important for the G20 to demonstrate its commitment. Japan looks forward to participating actively in discussions leading up to the G20 Rio Summit.
  3. The outcome document “Call to Action on Global Governance Reform (PDF)Open a New Window”was issued at this meeting.
(Reference)　

1. G20 members
　Japan, Brazil (Presidency), Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye , United Kingdom, United States, African Union (AU), European Union (EU)
2. Invited countries
　Angola, Bolivia, Egypt, Nigeria, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay
3. International organizations
　United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO)

　There were also many attendees from the United Nations member states, as well as representatives from intergovernmental organizations and UN specialized agencies invited by the G20 presidency.

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