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.
Below is the full text of his remarks.
“I am grateful to have been invited here today. I would like to express my sincere gratitude and honor for the presence of the Japanese lawmakers, as well as for the opportunity to speak at such an important committee. 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. And, to my knowledge, Japan is the only country that has established a committee for the world federation movement within its parliament. I understand that this movement has deep roots dating back to the post–World War II period, and I am aware that it is connected to declarations made by figures such as Einstein.
Having worked at the United Nations for over 30 years, I am well-acquainted with—and deeply appreciative of—the role that Japan has played in the international community, particularly within the United Nations. I feel that Japan is an exemplary country, especially for those of us who serve the world. I recognize that Japan makes significant contributions to the UN. While there are countries that demand from us without paying these contributions, Japan has made a substantial commitment to the UN. These contributions are based on multilateralism, which is wonderful 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 in addition to its considerable contributions to peacebuilding, Japan has served on the Security Council longer 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 an office dedicated to such efforts. I know that Japan not only supplies substantial funding for humanitarian assistance but also actively takes the initiative to provide aid. I am well-versed in these matters because I have previously worked on addressing North Korea’s hunger crisis—and at that time, Japan was the second largest donor.
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. It is both fortunate and an honor that I can call upon such wonderful friends here today. One of them is Mr. Yuhiko Hasegawa, former United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative, who is seated next to me. I am also extremely honored to be here today with Mr. Yasushi Akashi, a highly symbolic figure in the history of multilateralism. Once again, I am deeply honored to have been invited, and I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to meet them. In addition to the individuals I have mentioned, I know many other remarkable people; it is well known among those working at the United Nations that Japanese personnel are always composed and professional.
Everything I have just stated holds great significance in today’s world. 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 this milestone with joy. I participated in the Tokyo Conference 2025 for three days, and all the programs addressed how we should respond to and position ourselves with respect to the new winds blowing from the American White House.
In such circumstances, I believe that the importance of the work undertaken by this committee has doubled. In the current situation we face, spreading the ideas of this committee holds great significance, especially at a time when multilateralism—the core principle since World War II—is under criticism. History has shown that when multilateralism recedes, great catastrophes have ensued—and we cannot afford to repeat these disasters, for they could become our final great catastrophe. I have profound gratitude for the work you are doing, and I fervently hope that this committee will succeed in spreading and instilling its ideals throughout the world.”
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.