YouSaid · the spoken record

Yoshihiko Noda

lines on the record: 47
first: 2011-09-24
most recent: 2012-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I believe they will give adequate consideration to future generations and solve disputes calmly through reason based on rules generated from the perspective of looking at the Earth from the outside. Let us take charge of our responsibilities for tomorrow together. The lofty task for us living now is to carry out politics while imagining the benefits for future generations and gather all our wisdom to set a course towards the survival of human beings. I should like to conclude my remarks by pledging to the entire General Assembly that Japan will stand at the forefront of shaping the future of human history for peaceful and aff luent societies.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We strongly support management reform at the United Nations. Furthermore, in order for the Security Council to be fully effective, it must be endowed with a legitimacy that reflects the realities of the world today. Japan is ready to take on greater responsibility in the international community. Now is the time to accelerate the stalled process on Security Council reform and to start genuine negotiations. So far I have mentioned three pearls of wisdom necessary for human beings to live sustainable lives in the future, and I have tried to convey Japan’s contribution in each. It is my belief that human beings will continue to adapt to a complex world and become wiser.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Japan will vigorously contribute to rule-making efforts to expand trade and investment, build maritime order, including the safety of navigation, and create stability for prosperity. The rules needed by the international community are not simply for solving individual problems. Orderly relations between nations or within international organizations require the rule of law, more specifically, enhanced global governance. Unless all nations fulfil their responsibilities in their respective capacities, we cannot overcome the various common challenges that the world is facing. I hope in particular that emerging countries will fulfil their responsibilities commensurate with their respective national powers. As part of such efforts, it is important that we engage in thorough discussions on how the United Nations should develop in the future.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Japan intends to put more pressure on the Government of Syria, together with the international community, and to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria. Let me emphasize that the international community must secure the protection of civilians and the safety of diplomats and workers of international organizations through the rule of law. Today, violence against that principle cannot be tolerated for any reason. The concept of the rule of law is the foundation for a stable and reliable society, making the movement of peoples and goods more vibrant and serving as a basis of prosperity. I believe that the rule of law can provide important infrastructure for order and prosperity for a network of States centred in the Asia-Pacific region.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The world should pay greater attention to the role the international judicial institutions play in the peaceful settlement of disputes. Although the Middle East and Africa are still in a tumultuous whirlwind, they are in fact moving in the direction of establishing democracy. Japan will continue to support efforts at democratization and reform of every country. Moreover, we cannot overlook the ongoing violence and suppression in Syria, or the serious violations of human rights with respect to the rule of law. Japan strongly condemns the massive attacks in Syria that have involved tens of thousands of innocent citizens, journalists and aid workers, including Ms. Mika Yamamoto, a Japanese journalist.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Supporting the United Nations in promoting the rule of law continues to be a great challenge. Once again, I call for nations to work in cooperation with the United Nations to recognize the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, as Japan did, and for non-member countries of the ICC and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to join at an early date. There are still a number of territorial and maritime disputes in many parts of the world. It is the philosophy of the Charter of the United Nations and a principle shared by the international community as a whole that disputes should be settled in a peaceful manner on the basis of international law. In all circumstances, Japan is determined to comply with that principle and seek peaceful solutions based on international law.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Since joining the International Court of Justice, Japan has consistently recognized the jurisdiction of the Court as compulsory and has taken the lead in practicing the rule of law. Japan is leading the world in its contributions of personnel and financing to international judicial institutions. In addition to having served at the International Court of Justice, Japanese judges have also served at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia. Furthermore, Japan has provided the largest financial support of any country for the latter three institutions. Japan requests each country to kindly offer financial support to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, which is facing a severe financial crisis at the moment.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It is important to try to further develop international law and ensure that it gets implemented more effectively. I strongly call for leaders to strengthen the rule of law so as to leave future generations with a more peaceful and stable international community. We are currently witnessing the settlement of conflicts between nations on the basis of international law. A typical example is the dispute settlement process of the World Trade Organization, a mechanism that has made it possible for States to solve trade disputes with the common language of law, not by force, in a panel or appellate body. Japan has always valued the rule of law and has contributed to strengthening it.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Meanwhile, as globalization proceeds, the challenges confronting the international community are growing increasingly complex, and relations between nations can easily become tense. At this critical juncture, we must establish the rule of law as a basis for global peace, stability and prosperity. Because the rule of law is essential to preventing and resolving conflicts in a peaceful manner, and because it plays a critical role in the maintenance of stable and predictable societies, it must be further enhanced. Any attempt to impose a country’s ideology or claim by unilateral use of force or by threat of the use of force is inconsistent with the fundamental spirit of the United Nations Charter and runs counter to human wisdom; it is thus absolutely unacceptable.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Japan intends to maintain its efforts to comprehensively resolve outstanding issues of concern, settle the unfortunate past and normalize relations in accordance with the Japan-Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Pyongyang Declaration. Japan continues to urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to take positive steps. Humans have done more than just act on their lust for the use of force. We have also developed the skill to solve conflicts calmly through reason, which we call the rule of law. Every State has a responsibility to safeguard peace, ensure the safety of its people and protect its territorial and maritime sovereignty. Japan will fulfil those responsibilities in accordance with international law.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It is essential that all countries coordinate at the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency, including the implementation of Security Council resolutions urging both the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Iran to take concrete action. Japan, the only country that has experienced the horror of nuclear devastation in war, will continue to carry out its mission of seeking a world free of nuclear weapons. The issue of the abductions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea represents a violation of basic human rights. That makes it a universal issue and a matter of grave concern to the entire international community. Japan is committed to continuing its utmost efforts to achieve the return of all victims at the earliest possible date, through strengthened coordination with other Member States.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Japan will do its utmost to support and promote peacekeeping, peacebuilding and human security in each of those regions. A third pearl of wisdom that humans obtained was the manner in which human beings settle disputes reasonably under rules. Human beings acquired language and nurtured wisdom, but, even in modern times, they have failed to resist the temptation to solve conflicts by force. Despite two world wars and the two calamities of atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, disarmament, the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the prevention of terrorism remain key contemporary issues. The nuclear and missile issues in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Iran currently pose serious threats to the entire world.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The ideal of human security needs particular emphasis with respect to the African continent, which steadily reveals greater development potential but still suffers from many challenges, such as poverty, natural disasters and conflicts. On the occasion of the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, to be held in Yokohama next June, Japan plans to discuss the measures the international community and Africa should adopt and implement. We must completely and successfully meet the challenges that place our precious lives in danger. Afghanistan is making significant efforts towards reconstruction after its prolonged experience of war. South Sudan is also moving forward in its nation-building efforts, and Myanmar has taken steady steps towards democracy and reconciliation.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Being ever more conscious of our one precious Earth, we must direct our caring attention to the preciousness of each life breathing on the planet. The Japan-led resolution on human security (resolution 66/290), adopted on 10 September, can be a solid guide to visualizing development for the next generation from the perspective of all people, including women and young people. In the light of the common understanding of human security stipulated in that resolution, Japan is determined to contribute to worldwide efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and to work towards the establishment of the next development framework.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Japan will implement a low carbon and sound material-cycle society and take the lead in solving the common energy challenges facing the world. To that end, we need more innovation in energy efficiency and renewable energy. In the light of the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station on 11 March 2011, and with the goal of achieving a society not dependent on nuclear power by the 2030s, the Government of Japan will mobilize all possible policy resources to show the world a model that supports a good balance between the shift towards green energy and economic growth. We will constantly review and re-examine our policies while carefully assessing the outlook for the future, including the international energy situation.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“That conversation expressed in simple terms what I want to say today. Because we have attained the perspective of being able to see the Earth from outside, humankind as a whole shares the sublime mission of protecting the global environment. We must always return to that perspective, reaching beyond borders and advancing concrete measures to protect the Earth’s environment, which is the a basis of human survival. With the aim of protecting the global environment, a significant outcome for sustainable development was achieved at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June 2012. Japan announced its green future initiatives, proposing that we explore sustainable growth in prosperity without the supply-demand crunch of natural resources and energy or damage to the global environment.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It is a comprehensive reform programme that pursues both economic growth and fiscal reconstruction. Japan is taking a firm step towards becoming a country that makes decisions without postponing difficult issues. Another pearl of wisdom that humans acquired came from the possibility of seeing the Earth we live on. I recently had the opportunity to communicate directly with astronaut Akihiko Hoshide from my office while he was orbiting the Earth in the International Space Station. At the time of our phone linkup, a female elementary school student who was in the office with us posed a riddle to the astronaut: “The Earth has air and gravity, but space does not,” she said. “What does space have that the Earth does not?” “The view of the Earth from outside it”, the astronaut replied.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“This generation must successfully meet the challenges before us, and today’s political leaders must take responsibility now for tomorrow. In order to protect sound democratic societies, now is the time to exert the power to think about the benefits for future generations. Over the past 20-odd years, Japan repeatedly procrastinated in policies and was considered a symbol of a country that delayed decisions. I pledged to change all that and staked my political life on implementing a comprehensive reform of our social security and taxation systems. That reform is an ambitious package of policies developed to support Japan’s social security system by maintaining a stable financial basis in the face of a rapidly aging population and by paving the way for fiscal rehabilitation.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“If people living now do not overcome deficits by cutting spending and striving to increase revenues, future generations will be forced to repay the deficits. That structure amounts to nothing but current generations exploiting future generations. Democracy has been historically proven to be the best political system. However, we now face the enormous challenge of learning whether or not democracy can maintain fairness between generations across the globe. Under the system of parliamentary democracy, today’s representatives serve people living now; there are no guarantees with respect to properly representing the interests of future generations. The current structure encourages politics that will burden silent future generations by passing today’s problems onto them. We are all responsible for the next generations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“One of the first such pearls of wisdom humans gained was the power to give adequate thought to not only the present, but also the future. It is also the power to imagine, beyond our own benefits, the benefits to future generations and the power to act on their behalf. Agricultural society, which prompted human beings to adopt a new vista, was made possible through the long- term perspective towards the future that human beings acquired when they waited for the harvest instead of thinking solely about immediate concerns. Now is the time for us to exert our wisdom and build a sustainable future for the sake of succeeding generations. Many countries have built up massive fiscal deficits, therefore fiscal soundness is now a common challenge.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The answer is clear: humans must become wiser. Humans have so far gained abundant knowledge. The revolution in information and communication technology unfolding in front of us is further building up human knowledge on a geometric scale and at an exponential speed. Human wisdom seems to have improved dramatically. However, is that really true? At the forefront of a long human history, we are living in a period of complicated and violent change. Tensions among nations have risen in many parts of the world, with more uncertain prospects for the future. The real test for our survival in this unprecedented period is not how much knowledge and information we have, but to learn the true value of the numerous pearls of wisdom we have accumulated.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The warning from nature brought on by the unprecedented earthquake and massive tsunami posed a more fundamental question as to how we should sustain our civilization. From the moment of birth, human beings transform their own wisdom into the power to survive harsh natural environments. Despite advanced science and technology in modern civilization, however, the forces of nature have reminded us how weak human beings still are and that they have a fragile existence. Threats that may endanger human existence lie not only in nature, but in advanced civilization itself. There are a number of examples of those threats, such as environmental degradation, terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. What is required for the human species to be able to keep its presence on Earth and continue to enjoy peace and prosperity?”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In order to respond to generous support from all over the world, we, the Japanese, vowed before the souls of the victims to hand the lessons learned from the disaster down to succeeding generations beyond our national borders. Japan will continue to share those lessons learned with the world in order to build societies resilient to natural disasters and to make concrete contributions to nuclear safety. The Fukushima Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety, which is scheduled for the end of this year, and is co-sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the third World Conference on Disaster Reduction, which Japan plans to host in three years, will also provide meaningful opportunities to share those lessons.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“First, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Al-Nasser for his dedication during his one-year tenure as President of the General Assembly, as well as to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Vuk Jeremić on his assumption of the presidency of the Assembly at its sixty-seventh session. I would also like to pay my deep respect to His Excellency Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his leadership. One year ago, I started my speech on this rostrum by conveying our outpouring of appreciation to the world (see A/66/PV.19). It has been a year and a half since the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. The people in the affected areas are making strenuous efforts, with an unyielding spirit, to revive their hometowns.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“As the new leader of Japan, I am determined to make progress step by step towards a more peaceful, prosperous and positive future, hand in hand with the leaders assembled here today. The people of Japan as well as the Government are determined to overcome any and all difficulties. We will continue our contribution towards a brighter future for the people of the world. I wish to close my statement by reiterating our firm determination.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In addition, all lines of the Tohoku shinkansen bullet trains, including a train that was running at 270 kilometres per hour at the time of the earthquake, made emergency stops safely, without causing a single injury. I believe this fact bears witness to Japan’s high level of technical advancement. I thus believe in the strength of the Japanese people, which comes to the fore most prominently in times of crisis. I am certain that such resilience, both human and technological, which does not yield in the face of enormous difficulties, will be the very source of Japan’s future contribution to the international community. Let us take up the challenges for the resolution of the issues confronting the world today, with strong determination to pave the way to a brighter future for humanity.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“At the same time, Japan will deepen 11-51185 34 economic relations with Middle Eastern and North African countries by further promoting trade and investment through such means as trade insurance and export loans. As Middle East peace represents the linchpin for the peace and stability of the region, Japan will make active efforts, such as extending assistance to the Palestinians, for the realization of the two-State solution. To conclude my statement, I will touch briefly upon what I have felt in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. After the events of 11 March this year, I strongly felt the magnificence of a society in which each individual undertakes actions in an orderly manner, a society in which people help each other.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Japan will support reform and democratization efforts in this region, which is now undergoing a massive change that is often referred to as the Arab Spring. To improve the employment situation and support human resources development in the region, Japan is prepared to extend an additional yen loan worth approximately $1 billion for projects that are expected to contribute to infrastructure building and industrial development. Moreover, we will provide support to ensure fair elections in Tunisia and Egypt, where polls are scheduled to be held in autumn of this year. For a new Libya, Japan will support the country’s nation-building efforts in cooperation with the international community, utilizing its expertise and technological capacity.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Japan is also interested in dispatching an engineering unit of our Self-Defence Forces, regarding which the United Nations has expressed high expectations. Japan therefore will conduct the necessary field study as early as possible. Second, Japan will remain actively involved in the international community’s efforts with regard to humanitarian crises. One of the most pressing challenges at present is the drought in the Horn of Africa, which is directly affecting the children of the region. To mitigate this suffering as effectively as possible, Japan will provide further humanitarian aid in addition to the approximately $100 million in assistance that it has already implemented. The last commitment I wish to announce concerns the Middle East and North Africa.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Regarding the support intended to enable developing countries to address climate change, Japan will implement its quick-start finance commitments up to next year. Japan will continue its support beyond 2012. Today, I would like to announce Japan’s new commitments. First, I wish to congratulate the people of the Republic of South Sudan on achieving their independence, and provide assurances that Japan will extend wherever possible support for the nation- building efforts in South Sudan as well as for the consolidation of peace in the region. Japan is eager to contribute to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in the fields in which Japan excels. From this point of view, we are preparing to dispatch Japanese Self-Defence Forces personnel to Mission Headquarters as staff officers.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We must revitalize the stagnated reform process. All Member States must proactively commit to the reform with a sense of urgency. The credibility of the United Nations is at stake. Japan intends to launch substantive negotiations toward the reform with like- minded Members, in order to achieve tangible results during the current session. As I promised moments ago, Japan will recover from the earthquake disaster and seek a peaceful, safe and brighter future, side by side with the leaders gathered here. For that purpose, Japan will maintain its contribution to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, focusing on health and education. Moreover, Japan will continue its contribution to the development of Africa by hosting the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development in 2013.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“With regard to relations between Japan and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan intends to maintain its efforts to comprehensively resolve the outstanding issues of concern, settle the unfortunate past and normalize relations, in accordance with the Japan-Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Pyongyang Declaration of 2007. Japan urges the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to take positive steps in order that our countries may have a dialogue toward this goal. In recent years, the role of the United Nations has taken on greater significance than ever. In order for the United Nations to tackle such issues more effectively, Japan will continue to support increasing effectiveness and efficiency in reinforcing the functions of the United Nations. Security Council reform is absolutely necessary in that respect.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“At the 33 11-51185 same time, we will do our best to achieve the ideal of a world without nuclear weapons through such efforts as the multi-country non-proliferation and disarmament initiative. The nuclear and missile issues of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea pose a threat to the entire international community, and Japan continues to urge that country to take concrete steps towards resolving those issues. In particular, the abduction issue represents a violation of basic human rights. It is thus an issue of universal import and a matter of great concern for the entire international community. Japan is committed to exerting all possible efforts to achieve the return of all the victims at the earliest possible date, through strengthened coordination with other Member States.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Japan reiterates its firm condemnation of such atrocious acts of terrorism. In order to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a breeding ground for terrorism, we will continue to confront the problem with strong resolve. Japan has expressed its commitment to providing approximately $5 billion in assistance over five years beginning in 2009, focusing on security, reintegrating former insurgents into society, and development, and will continue to implement that commitment. United Nations peacekeeping missions are being dispatched to fragile and conflict-prone States. Japan will contribute to peacebuilding efforts by actively participating in those operations. We must further improve the conditions that promote that goal.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I would request that all countries make sensible judgements based on scientific evidence. Global threats continue to proliferate. It is essential to deal with the root causes of such threats while taking steps to address them. Japan will continue to respond to those challenges in order to ensure a brighter and more peaceful future. With regard to the issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia, Japan will remain actively engaged in combating the problem through continued deployment to the area of two destroyers and two patrol aircraft. Japan intends to enhance its efforts to eradicate terrorism and its causes. Though a decade has passed since the 9/11 attacks, our collective sorrow has yet to heal. And in that connection, I would like to express my sincere condolences on the death of Mr. Rabbani, Chairman of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Following the nuclear accident, Japan has implemented emergency safety measures and further strengthened its nuclear energy regulation regime. In yesterday’s meeting, I expressed my resolve to contribute positively to the reinforcement of global nuclear power safety, drawing on our experiences with the accident. Next year, Japan will co-host an international conference with the International Atomic Energy Agency to share the results of the overall assessment of the accident in comprehensive detail, and to contribute to the various measures taken by the international community to raise standards for nuclear safety. Although some countries, regrettably, are still imposing undue restrictions on imports from Japan, our Government will continue to provide prompt, accurate and transparent information on this matter.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“As a country that has learned to coexist harmoniously with nature, we are prepared to share with the world our accumulated knowledge and skills. As a first step, Japan will hold an international conference in the disaster-stricken Tohoku region next year designed to improve international cooperation on coping with natural disasters. To build on the outcome of that conference, Japan proposes to host the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2015, and plans to take a leading role in the international community in creating a disaster-resistant world. Next, Japan hopes to share its acquired knowledge and experience in the field of nuclear safety. I welcomed yesterday’s high-level meeting on this issue held at the initiative of the Secretary- General.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The run-up height, which is the maximum onshore vertical height above sea level, of the tsunami that hit the Tohoku district reached as high as 40 metres, the highest in Japan in recorded history. We have learned that we must be very well prepared. In that regard, there are contributions that Japan, with such experience behind it, is uniquely qualified to make. The first lesson to be learned from Japan’s recent tragedy is the importance of international cooperation in disaster risk reduction. We have a long history of combating and overcoming natural disasters. In fact, we have actively supported the response efforts to the disasters that have occurred in recent years in areas such as Sumatra, Sichuan in China, Haiti and New Zealand.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The key to achieving these goals is technological innovation in the areas of renewable energies, saving energy and the clean use of fossil fuels, all of which are considered part of green innovation. By next summer, the Government of Japan will have created a new strategy and plan for the composition of Japan’s mid- to long-term energy use, aimed at making a bold shift on energy policy. Japan will also further improve on its excellent, safe, secure and environmentally friendly technologies, represented by energy-efficient houses and electric appliances and vehicles, contributing to the growth of the global economy and to a brighter future for all during the discussions leading up to the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Japan will throw all its efforts into seeking a safe and brighter future.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Japan will press ahead with its targets for restoring fiscal sustainability. Meanwhile, as we recognize that revitalizing the Japanese economy is directly linked to rebuilding the world economy, we will work on strengthening industrial infrastructure, employment and energy conservation in our efforts to achieve a full recovery from the earthquake disaster. In the mid-to-long term, we intend to further reinforce partnerships between the Japanese and other global economies. It is also important that trade activities not be disturbed by excessive currency volatility. Furthermore, in order to help realize sustainable growth of the Japanese economy, we will work to 11-51185 32 achieve a low-carbon society and a transition to a green economy.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“From our own experience, we understand very well that the engine of economic growth is a strong middle class. In order to strengthen that middle class, we must construct a social framework within which all individuals can strengthen their capacities and develop them to the full. In this regard, Japan will continue to actively support developing countries through its official development assistance. We must not let the current global economic uncertainty and financial unrest hamper the efforts of the international community to achieve growth. It is vital that all countries cooperate in order to bring harmony out of the current chaos. I myself am committed to doing my best as the new leader of Japan. Achieving economic growth in tandem with fiscal health is the most crucial challenge confronting the world at the present time.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Through its experience of the massive earthquake in March, Japan was again made aware of the importance of its bonds with the people of the world. We have come to fully realize the importance of the responsibility to society that is fulfilled by each individual. We have never felt more strongly the significance of promoting human security. I am resolved to implement Japanese diplomacy by working closely with all the world leaders here at the United Nations, with the determination to make a substantive contribution to overcoming the challenges that the world faces and shaping a brighter future for humanity. Allow me to touch on Japan’s efforts to help the world economy grow. Japan has a long history of assisting developing countries to create prosperous societies through nation-building and human-resource development.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“A number of other challenges remain to be addressed, including the removal of debris and rebuilding of the livelihoods of the Japanese people in the affected areas. We will continue to be fully engaged in the restoration and reconstruction efforts as our highest priority task so that Japan’s renewal can be realized without delay. As the new leader of Japan, I am deeply honoured to discuss and share Japan’s ambitions for the world’s future, as well as Japan’s diplomatic vision, with all those in attendance here today at this meeting of the General Assembly. The world is undergoing tremendous changes, including those now under way in the Middle East and North Africa, which have been brought about by the peoples’ awakening and their resulting common awareness.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The daily lives of those outside the affected areas, including the metropolitan area of Tokyo, have returned almost to normal. The infrastructure and economy of the coastal areas of Tohoku, which were washed away by the tsunami, are recovering. Damaged supply chains are close to full restoration. We have been sharply reminded of the role that Japanese companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises, play in sustaining the growth of the global economy. We are making steady progress towards securing stable control of the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power stations of the Tokyo Electric Power Company. Currently, we are focusing our efforts on moving up the existing target period to achieve cold shutdown status by the end of this year.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“They 31 11-51185 sang in chorus the popular Japanese song known outside Japan as “Sukiyaki” — whose original Japanese title reads “Let Us Walk Looking Up” — saying that they wished to deliver the song to the Japanese people. Those are only a few such stories among tens of thousands. The world expressed friendship, solidarity and praise for the Japanese people immediately after the earthquake. On behalf of the people of Japan, I express my heartfelt gratitude for the helping hands extended from all over the world. These bonds between Japan and the international community will be forever remembered by the Japanese. Since 11 March, the sounds of recovery have echoed throughout the Tohoku region of Japan. The Government of Japan has exerted every effort to restore and reconstruct the disaster-affected areas.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“At the same time, I have been deeply moved by the strong feelings of compassion shown by people the world over towards Japan. There are many unforgettable stories. Ms. Rita Retnaningtyas, an Indonesian nurse candidate and trainee at the Miyagi Hospital, evacuated 120 patients from the hospital to a safer location just before the arrival of the tsunami. She stayed on at the hospital for several days, taking care of the patients in the absence of electricity and water. In Brazil, the children of a small rural town collected change and sent their contributions to us in a tin can. I heard that, when asked why, one of the children answered that it was because Japan, a friend of Brazil, was suffering. University students in Kenya gathered in Nairobi in memory of Japanese victims of the earthquake.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I would like to begin by congratulating Mr. Al-Nasser on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty- sixth session. I express my gratitude to Mr. Joseph Deiss for his devoted efforts during his tenure as President of the Assembly at the sixty-fifth session. I would also like to pay my deep respects to Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon for his leadership. This has been a year of extraordinary challenges for Japan. A little more than six months have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck Japan. Nearly 20,000 people were killed or remain missing, and nearly 40,000 who were forced to evacuate continue to endure inconvenience in their daily lives. I am truly proud to see the noble spirit of the Japanese people manifest itself even amid such despair and hardship.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)