2022.5.19
Kyoto University of the Arts
Mr. Khare began his speech by paying special tribute to the distinguished guests and Japan’s contributions and commitment to United Nations peace operation over the years. As the third-largest financial contributor to both peacekeeping and special political missions, Japanese individuals have led complex and diverse missions such as Mr. Akashi in Cambodia, Mr. Hasegawa in Timor-Leste, and Mr. Yamamoto more recently in Afghanistan. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and tensions between global powers have contributed to an increased instability in the regions we operate in. Further Mr. Khare stated that the world was witnessing the tragic and alarming result of a divided UN Security Council unable to intervene in the war in Ukrainian . UN peacekeeping missions have made great strides in protecting civilians, decreasing the death toll from civil war, restoring rule of law, and helping many countries transition from war to sustainable peace and development. Additionally, Mr. Khare announced that this year was the 30th anniversary of Japan's uniformed participation in UN peacekeeping operations.