UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Japan can serve as a bridge in a new chapter of multilateralism during a symposium in Tokyo [1].
The event marks the 70th anniversary of Japan's membership in the United Nations [1]. As global tensions rise and international institutions face scrutiny, the partnership between Japan and the UN is seen as a critical stabilizer for diplomatic cooperation among the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
The symposium took place at the United Nations University in Tokyo on May 18, 2024 [2]. Guterres used the occasion to reflect on the cooperative relationship between the organization and the Japanese government. He said the UN has benefited from Japan's generosity and its contributions to multilateralism [3].
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi joined the discussions, focusing on the necessity of updating global governance. Motegi said that reforming the Security Council to reflect current international conditions is an urgent task, noting a shaking of trust in the UN [3].
The gathering aimed to review the history of cooperation between Japan, the U.S., and European nations, while discussing the future of international law and diplomacy [4]. Participants debated the need for UN reform to ensure the organization remains effective in a shifting geopolitical landscape.
Guterres said Japan would continue to play a pivotal role in fostering global unity. He described Japan as a bridge that can connect diverse interests to start a new chapter of multilateral cooperation [5].
“The UN has benefited greatly from Japan's generosity and its contributions to multilateralism.”
The emphasis on Japan as a 'bridge' reflects the UN's need for middle-power mediators to maintain multilateralism amid deepening polarization between superpowers. By calling for Security Council reform, Japan is signaling that the post-WWII architecture is no longer sufficient for modern security threats, suggesting a push for a more inclusive and representative global leadership structure.
