Reporter: Koki Imon

At the General Assembly of the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation, Dr. David Chikvaise, Former Chef de Staff of the United Nations Office in Geneva, delivered a speech on Japan’s contributions to international peacebuilding and the importance of multilateralism.

Highlights of Mr. David Chikvaidze’s Speech

I am grateful and honoured to have been invited to speak to such an important committee of the Japanese National Diet in the presence of prominent Japanese lawmakers. The role played by this committee is particularly significant in today’s world. Japan has always been at the forefront of global peace and security. To my knowledge, Japan is the only country that has established a committee for the world federation movement within its parliament, a movement that has deep roots dating back to the post–World War II period and which traces its lineage to declarations made by figures such as Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russell and Hideki Yukawa.

 

Having worked at the United Nations for over 30 years, I am well-acquainted with—and deeply appreciative of—the role that Japan plays in the international community, particularly within the United Nations. An exemplary member state of the Organisation, Japan provides significant timely assessed contributions to the UN reflecting its substantial commitment to the Organization. These contributions are possible due to Japan’s mindset of multilateralism, which is precious and should continue in the future.

 

When considering the work of the United Nations, I believe that Japan is at the forefront in every area—whether it be financial cooperation, security, development and humanitarian aid, human resources, or the promotion of UN reforms. Japan is indeed the third or fourth largest contributor financially. It also provides many troops for peacekeeping operations and has been elected to serve on the Security Council more often than any other non-permanent member. I am personally aware of Japan’s engagement in humanitarian aid, having worked for more than eight years in a UN office dedicated to such efforts. Japan not only supplies substantial funding for humanitarian assistance but is also a significant provider of direct aid. I have first-hand knowledge of this due to my past work on addressing North Korea’s food crisis—at that time, Japan was the second largest donor to that effort.

 

While these financial contributions to multilateralism and peacekeeping are extremely important, even more vital is the human contribution—the professional Japanese staff working at the United Nations. One of these prominent and highly respected representatives is here today and I am both fortunate and honoured to be able to call him friend, Mr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General has had a long and distinguished UN career. I am also extremely honored and privileged to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Mr. Yasushi Akashi, an iconic figure in the history of twentieth century multilateralism. In addition to the individuals I have mentioned, I know many other remarkable Japanese colleagues; it is well known among those working at the United Nations that Japanese personnel are always dedicated, composed and professional.

 

The United Nations is celebrating its 80th anniversary, and this year also marks the 60th anniversary of the resolution that established the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation. However, we cannot greet these milestones exclusively with joy. I participated in the Tokyo Conference 2025 for these three past days, and all the programs there addressed how we should respond to and position ourselves with respect to the significant new winds blowing across the world.

 

In such circumstances, I believe that the importance of the work undertaken by this committee has doubled. In the current situation we face, promoting the ideas of this committee holds great significance, especially at a time when the role of multilateralism—the core principle since World War II—is being questioned. History has shown that when multilateralism recedes, great catastrophes ensue—and we cannot afford to repeat these disasters, for they could well become our final great catastrophe. I have profound appreciation for the work you are doing, and I fervently hope that this committee will succeed in promoting and instilling its ideals throughout the world.

 

Once again, I am deeply honoured to have been invited, and to have had the opportunity to meet with you.

 

For those who would like more detailed information about the entire General Assembly of the Japanese Parliamentary Committee for World Federation, please refer to this article.