[Title] Video Statement by H.E. Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Foreign Minister of Japan, at the 81st Session of the Commission (ESCAP) Bangkok, Thailand, April 21st 2025

Honourable Chairperson, Executive Secretary Dr. Alisjahbana, distinguished guests and participants,

I am IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

At the outset, I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and to their bereaved families due to the earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28. I also sincerely pray for the swift recovery of those affected and the early restoration of the disaster-stricken areas.

ESCAP has played an important role as a platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building in the Asia-Pacific region. As various social challenges — such as natural disasters, environmental issues, and the declining birthrate coupled with an aging population — become increasingly severe, and the international order is becoming more unstable than ever before, its role is becoming ever more vital.

Japan is playing an active part in supporting the activities of ESCAP to help strengthen the Asia- Pacific region’s capacity to address these challenges and to promote regional cooperation. For example, the United Nations Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP) has provided training to government officials from 190 countries and regions, contributing to the development of human resources in the field of statistics.

In tackling diverse challenges, the concept of human security has been a cornerstone of Japan’s approach. From this perspective, we have advanced a range of domestic initiatives, including strengthening national resilience for disaster risk reduction, implementing measures against pollution, and developing social security systems to respond to a declining birthrate and an aging population. We are confident that Japan’s experience and expertise can contribute to solving the diverse challenges faced by the Asia-Pacific region.

To overcome the challenges the world faces today and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is essential to further accelerate our cooperation. With only five years remaining until the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs, Japan is committed to taking the lead in meeting this challenge.

This year, the Government of Japan is advancing its “Voluntary National Review” on the SDGs with the cooperation of a wide range of stakeholders, including business community, local governments, civil society, and young people. Through this review, Japan aims to actively share its knowledge and experience with the international community to help address the challenges faced by countries around the world.

Japan will continue to work closely with ESCAP and further contribute to knowledge sharing in the Asia - Pacific region, as well as to capacity building in countries across the region.

Thank you for your kind attention.