Press Releases
Ministerial Meeting of the UN Group of Friends of Mediation
September 25, 2026
On September 24 (local time), Mr. KAIHARA Kentaro, Ambassador in Charge of UN Affairs of Japan, participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the UN Group of Friends of Mediation in New York.
- Ambassador KAIHARA expressed Japan’s expectation that the peaceful settlement of disputes, including mediation, must remain a core function of the UN even as the organization undertakes necessary reforms, and that Japan expects the next Secretary-General to continue to play a responsible role in this regard. Ambassador KAIHARA also introduced Japan's initiatives, including the establishment of the International Peace Mediation Unit within the Government in March this year, and stressed Japan's resolve to contribute to sustaining peace, including through mediation.
- The participants exchanged views on mediation efforts by relevant countries and the role of the UN in the peaceful resolution of disputes in light of the current global situation.
(Reference1) Attachment
(Reference2) The Group of Friends of Mediation
Established in 2010, the group provides political support for peace mediation efforts both within and outside the UN. It currently has 56 member countries, including Japan, and 8 organizations.