Kishida calls for UNSC reforms vital to build confidence, open to  meet Kim Jong-Un

Anjali Sharma

GG News Bureau

UNITED NATIONS, 21st Sept. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday addressed the high level debate of the UNGA session in New York said that he is open to meet President Kim Jong-Un of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at any time and without any conditions “to open up a new era together” between the countries.

Mr. Kishida urged reforms of the Security Council, including increased representation of Africa and expanding both its permanent and non-permanent membership, to restore confidence.

He said “The world is changing dramatically. We need a Security Council that reflects the world today.”

Kishida noted that efforts to limit the use of the veto, which exacerbates division and confrontation in the UN, will strengthen and restore confidence in the body.

He stressed that Japan seeks to normalize its relationship with DPRK by comprehensively resolving outstanding matters, including abductions, nuclear and missile issues, and settling issues related to “our unfortunate past”.

“From the perspective of opening up a new era together, I would like to convey my determination to meet with President Kim Jong-un face to face at any time without any conditions and would like to hold high-level talks under my direct supervision to realize a summit meeting at an early time.”

He urged the international community to renew cooperation to protect and strengthen human dignity as a driving force across the world.

Kishida, who is from Hiroshima, has made nuclear disarmament his “lifelong mission” and called on leaders of nuclear-weapon States to step up progress towards a world without deadly weapons.

He reiterated that to firmly establish nuclear disarmament, “it is paramount to transcend purely government efforts and engage in multilayered efforts,”

He urged greater participation and leadership of the youth.

Kishida underlined the need to defend the dignity of people affected by armed conflicts, especially women and children.

“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues. A food crisis must not be perpetuated. Supporting vulnerable people in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere is essential,” he said.

On climate, Mr. Kishida stated that his country will support disaster risk reduction for countries vulnerable to climate change, including island States.

Prime Minister Kishida emphasized that Japan will cooperate with other countries under the Asia Zero Emission Community initiative to achieve net-zero, and before that is achieved, work to mitigate potential impacts from rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

He called on the international community to prepare for the next infectious disease outbreak, announcing efforts to support universal health coverage, and strengthening prevention, preparedness and response to health crises.

Kishida noted that digital technologies bring benefits and also put people’s privacy and human rights at risk, highlighted Japan’s efforts to build trustworthy artificial intelligence systems.