New York, 21 September 2023(TDI): During the General Debate of the 78th Sessions of the United Nations General Assembly on September 19, Prime Minister Kishida of Japan addressed the international community, emphasizing the need for a revitalized commitment to effective multilateralism centered around the United Nations.
Prime Minister Kishida began by acknowledging the critical juncture the world faces, with mounting challenges to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
He called for a united effort to foster strong and effective multilateralism, envisioning a world built on cooperation rather than division.
Highlighting the importance of “human dignity” as a common language uniting diverse nations and values, Prime Minister Kishida proposed the concept of “human-centered international cooperation.”
He advocated for a world where vulnerable populations can live securely and safely, emphasizing the idea of “A World Caring for Human Dignity.”
In his address, Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the significance of nuclear disarmament as part of international cooperation to protect and enhance “human dignity.”
His proposals included consolidating the trend of nuclear disarmament, renewing political momentum for a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons, fostering dialogue between nuclear-armed and non-nuclear-armed states, and establishing a ‘Japan Chair for a world without nuclear weapons’ with a new 3 billion yen contribution.
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Additionally, Prime Minister Kishida addressed a range of global issues, including the safety of women and children in conflict zones, balancing digitalization with human dignity, mitigating the effects of the path to achieving net-zero emissions, and preparing for future infectious disease outbreaks.
He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law to protect the rights of vulnerable nations and peoples.
In closing remarks, Prime Minister Kishida affirmed that “human dignity” should be a core guiding principle in shaping the international community’s future, including as they envision international goals beyond 2030.
He expressed his unwavering commitment to strengthening “human dignity” and creating a “United Nations for cooperation.”
