United Nations Day

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

United Nations Day THE JAPAN TIMES MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 5 United Nations Day A future of greener, cleaner and low-carbon growth Future challenges require growing role, global youth Ban Ki-moon threshold lies our best chance for greener, SECRETARY-GENERAL, THE UNITED NATIONS cleaner, low-carbon growth. Michiru Mekata tries (Japan, Germany, India The U.N. is also in transition, from its SPECIAL TO THE JAPAN TIMES and Brazil) made concerted ef- This year’s observance of eighth secretary-general to the ninth. I forts to reform the U.N. Security United Nations Day occurs have been honored to serve “we the peo- Tis year, Japan is celebrating 60 Council. Te following year at a time of transition for ples” for the past ten years. Together, we years of U.N. membership. On marked the 50th anniversary of the world and for the U.N. have put in place some solid foundations this occasion, U.N. Information Japan joining the U.N. and I have Humanity has entered for shared progress — which we must Centre Director Kaoru Nemoto fond memories of a commemo- the era of sustainability — build on by working even harder to em- met with Kenzo Oshima, a well- rative event, featuring the New with a global commitment power women, engage youth and uphold respected international fgure York Asian Symphony Orches- to fulfil the great promise human rights for all. But we have also suf- who has held senior positions at tra. It provided an opportunity of the 2030 Agenda for fered enormous heartbreak — including top-notch institutions in and for up-and-coming Japanese Sustainable Development. unresolved conflicts causing immense outside Japan, including the and other Asian musicians to Japan’s substantive U.N. contri- In this, the organization’s suffering throughout the troubled Middle U.N. and the Ministry of Foreign perform, who otherwise would butions over the years. Te pro- 71st year, we have 17 goals to propel us East, South Sudan, the Sahel and beyond. Afairs. Te two exchanged have had little chance of public cess also revealed hurdles and toward a better future for all on a healthy On these and other front lines of violence views on the past, present and exposure. In October 2006, pitfalls that lie in the way. Fore- planet. and disaster, courageous U.N. staff con- future of the U.N. and Japan, as Japan assumed the Security most of all, the permanent mem- The world is also moving at long last tinue to rise to the occasion and respond well as various issues confront- Council presidency, when bers are very reluctant to let go beyond the mindset that viewed the burn- to the plight of the vulnerable. ing the world. Te summary of North Korea conducted its frst of their vested interest — the ing of fossil fuels as the path to prosperi- I thank people across the world for their their dialogue follows: nuclear test, resulting in the frst veto. ty. At a time of record heat, member support — and urge all to give their full sanctions against that country. What can one expect 10 states have embraced the Paris Agree- backing to Secretary-General-designate Nemoto: Japan has been pro- In that month, too, the council years on? Te option for Japan ment on climate change in record time. Antonio Guterres in continuing our global viding emergency humanitarian made a decision recommending Kenzo Oshima (right) discusses the past, present and future of and others seeking permanent This landmark measure will enter into mission of peace, sustainable develop- relief, assistance for rehabilita- Ban Ki-moon to replace Kof the U.N. with Kaoru Nemoto at the U.N. Information Centre in membership is whether to stick force on Nov. 4. Across that historic ment and human rights. tion and reconstruction and Annan as secretary-general. Shibuya Ward on Oct. 5. SATOKO KAWASAKI to the position taken 10 years peacebuilding support over the Nemoto: What was your role ago, or whether to seek an years to various needy countries under Annan at the dawn of the circumstances? university seminar, the project achievable compromise. In this as a U.N. member. 21st century? Oshima: One big issue was provides intensive courses to im- regard, in February 2015, a Oshima: Yes. Tough the ac- Oshima: My principal role how to balance the activities of prove the students’ English com- group of distinguished interna- 60 years of U.N. commitment tivities have been humble, such was to promote humanitarian the humanitarian workers munication and debating skills tional fgures that call them- longstanding sincerity to con- advocacy and coordinate emer- against their safety. In war zones and sessions on peace-related selves “Te Elders,” made David M. Malone enhancing Japan’s role. vital role in the establishment tribute to the global community gency humanitarian relief activ- and high-risk areas, their lives subjects ft for Hiroshima, which public a four-point proposal for RECTOR, UNITED NATIONS For the past three decades, and continuing operation of has won the trust of numerous ity by U.N. agencies, in were constantly at risk or some- experienced and recovered from council reform. Te group, UNIVERSITY, UNDER-SECRETARY- Japan has remained the sec- the United Nations Univer- countries around the world. Tis cooperation with the non-U.N. times even sacrifced. As such, a nuclear bombing. founded by the former Presi- GENERAL, THE UNITED NATIONS ond-largest contributor to the sity (UNU). external evaluation is invalu- humanitarian players. At the we had many serious internal Nemoto: I agree such support dent of South Africa, the late U.N.’s regular budget (behind Japan’s offer in 1973 to host able, and we should maintain time, the Democratic Republic discussions regarding this issue. for youth is necessary, and we Nelson Mandela, and chaired We celebrate United Nations only the United States). It is the UNU headquarters in and expand the activities in the of the Congo, Sudan, Angola Personally, it was physically and must lay the groundwork for now by Kof Annan, suggested Day annually to commemorate also the third-largest fnancial Tokyo, and its accompanying future. and Liberia were in dire need of mentally one of the toughest, their global perspectives. Tat is a compromise solution on the the Oct. 24, contributor to the U.N.’s p e a c e - contribution of $100 million Nemoto: Regarding your po- sustained relief aid, and in Asia, most exhausting times in my ca- also why seven U.N. institutions question of enlarging council 1945, estab- keeping operations and among to establish the UNU Endow- sitioning in the global arena, can Afghanistan presented serious reer. It meant a lot of long travel, hold joint career fairs for stu- membership, saying “Let the lishment of the world’s top-fve donors of ment Fund, was the impetus you tell us about your U.N. ex- humanitarian challenges, par- jet lag, meetings with leaders dents and youth in Japan. We are states which aspire to perma- the United humanitarian aid. that made U.N. Secretary- perience? ticularly when it was under Tal- and a wide range of humanitar- sowing the seeds, but it takes nent membership accept in- Nations. For Outside the fnancial realm, General U Thant’s vision a Oshima: I was with the U.N. iban control. On one early 2001 ian players to discuss difcult time for them to grow. stead, at least for the time 71 years, the Japan, too, has played impor- reality, playing an important for fve years from 2001 until visit to Afghanistan and neigh- issues, often fnding myself bat- How do you see Japan’s future being, election to a new cate- U.N. has been tant and constructive roles in role in bringing the world of 2007, frst as under-secretary- boring countries, I carried An- tling to explain things clearly standing at the U.N.? gory of membership, which a vital forum numerous U.N. activities and research closer to the U.N. general for humanitarian afairs nan’s personal letter to seek and sway others in English. Oshima: Te possibility of would give them a much longer where the has made signifcant intellec- and informing evidence- (OCHA), and, after a short support to facilitate relief con- Nemoto: Is that why you Japan becoming a permanent term than the two years served world’s peo- tual and personnel contribu- based policymaking. Though break, as the permanent repre- voys crossing their borders into stress youth education and in- member of the Security Council by the non-permanent mem- ples can work tions to the U.N. UNU has grown to be a glob- sentative. In September 2005, Afghanistan. I also met Taliban volve yourself in education in is a delicate and difcult issue. It bers, and to which they could together to identify common Japan was among the key ar- al system of institutes, Japan the U.N. summit was held com- leaders to discuss the situation your hometown Hiroshima? is clear the U.N. system is be- be immediately re-elected problems, agree on feasible so- chitects of the Hyogo and Sen- remains the heart of UNU. memorating its 60th anniver- to allow access for humanitarian Oshima: Absolutely. I now coming outdated and requires when that term expires.” If ac- lutions and take joint action. dai frameworks, the key In my role as rector of sary and it adopted a landmark workers to reach those in need spend time running a seminar signifcant reform after 70 years, cepted, this formula would On this U.N. Day, we should international agreements gov- UNU, I thank the Japanese outcome document that estab- of food and shelter.
Recommended publications
  • U.S.-Japan Approaches to Democracy Promotion
    U.S. JAPAN APPROACHES TO DEMOCRACY PROMOTION U.S. JAPAN Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA 1819 L St NW #300 Washington, DC 20036 [email protected] U.S.-JAPAN APPROACHES TO DEMOCRACY SASAKAWA USA SASAKAWA PROMOTION Edited by Michael R. Auslin and Daniel E. Bob ISBN 9780996656764 51000 > 9 780996 656764 U.S.-JAPAN APPROACHES TO DEMOCRACY PROMOTION Edited by Michael R. Auslin Daniel E. Bob Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA is an independent, American non-profit and non- partisan institution devoted to research, analysis and better understanding of the U.S.-Japan relationship. Sasakawa USA accomplishes its mission through programs that benefit both nations and the broader Asia Pacific region. Our research programs focus on security, diplomacy, economics, trade and technology, and our education programs facilitate people-to-people exchange and discussion among American and Japanese policymakers, influential citizens and the broader public in both countries. ISBN: 978-0-9966567-6-4 Printed in the United States of America. © 2017 by Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA LCCN Number applied for Sasakawa USA does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views expressed herein are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sasakawa USA, its staff or its board. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by and means without permission in writing from Sasakawa USA. Please direct inquiries to: Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA Research Department 1819 L Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20036 P: +1 202-296-6694 This publication can be downloaded at no cost at http://spfusa.org/ Cover photo: © EPA/Barbara Walton Contents Preface .............................................................................................................................v Dennis Blair and Yasushi Akashi INTRODUCTION U.S.-Japan Approaches to Democracy Promotion ............................................
    [Show full text]
  • IV International Conference CHERNOBYL CHILDREN – HEALTH EFFECTS and PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION June 2-6 2003, Kiev, Ukraine
    1 First Announcement IV International Conference CHERNOBYL CHILDREN – HEALTH EFFECTS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION June 2-6 2003, Kiev, Ukraine … Millions of people continue to be directly affected by the consequences of this disaster. I remain deeply concerned by their plight. It is particularly disturbing that few people realize the multitude of problems that are still linked to this event and its aftermath. Acute suffering continues. At least three million children require physical treatment. Vast areas of forest and agricultural land have been contaminated. Radiation levels in some areas are still well above normal. People still live with great fear, and those who contemplate having children see one of the great joys in life become yet another source of insecurity. This disaster is a matter of global concern. International assistance has been an important part of the response, including through the United Nations. We are now moving towards a long-term approach that would bring help to the most affected people and communities, and promote a return to normalcy… Kofi A. Annan Secretary-General of the United Nations (Remarks at visit to the museum of Chernobyl, Ukraine, 3 June 2002) 2 ORGANISERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR THE HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (OCHA) WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (UNDP), UKRAINE ASSOCIATION “PHYSICIANS OF CHERNOBYL” In co-operation with: • United Nations Representative Office in Ukraine • United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) • International Atomic
    [Show full text]
  • 2011 Overview Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized
    world development report2011 Overview Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Conflict, Security, and Development world development report2011 Confl ict, Security, and Development world development report2011 Confl ict, Security, and Development Overview © 2011 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 Internet: www.worldbank.org All rights reserved 1 2 3 4 14 13 12 11 This document summarizes the World Development Report 2011. It is a product of the staff of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank. The fi ndings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this volume do not necessarily refl ect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgement on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Rights and Permissions The material in this publication is copyrighted. Copying and/or transmitting portions or all of this work without permission may be a violation of applicable law. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank encourages dissemination of its work and will normally grant permission to reproduce portions of the work promptly. For permission to photocopy or reprint any part of this work, please send a request with complete information to the Copyright Clearance Center Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA; telephone: 978-750-8400; fax: 978-750-4470; Internet: www.copyright.com.
    [Show full text]
  • CPC Outreach Journal #531
    USAF COUNTERPROLIFERATION CENTER CPC OUTREACH JOURNAL Maxwell AFB, Alabama Issue No. 531, 10 October 2006 Articles & Other Documents: U.N. Warns N. Korea On Nuclear Test U.N. Council Urges N. Korea Not To Conduct Nuclear Test Six Powers Agree To Take Next Step On Iran Nuclear Test Threat Strains Korea Border North Korea's Nuclear Intentions, Out There For All To N. Korea Might Lose Its Only Ally See U.S. Project Could Start Atomic War, Experts Warn U.S. Urges Sanctions On North Korea U.S. Doubts Korean Test Was Nuclear Pentagon Assesses Responses, Including A Possible Blockade For U.S., A Strategic Jolt After North Korea's Test Condemnation Swift, But Options Are Limited Pentagon Hunting For Clues On Power, Makeup Of Even If Device Was Flawed, Test Crossed A Threshold Weapon Welcome to the CPC Outreach Journal. As part of USAF Counterproliferation Center’s mission to counter weapons of mass destruction through education and research, we’re providing our government and civilian community a source for timely counterproliferation information. This information includes articles, papers and other documents addressing issues pertinent to US military response options for dealing with nuclear, biological and chemical threats and attacks. It’s our hope this information resource will help enhance your counterproliferation issue awareness. Established in 1998, the USAF/CPC provides education and research to present and future leaders of the Air Force, as well as to members of other branches of the armed services and Department of Defense. Our purpose is to help those agencies better prepare to counter the threat from weapons of mass destruction.
    [Show full text]
  • In-Depth Study on the United Nations Contribution to the Implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action
    In-depth study on the United Nations contribution to the implementation of the Hyogo Framework For Action External study commissioned for the Mid-Term Review 2010-2011 In-depth study on the United Nations contribution to the implementation of the Hyogo Framework For Action External study commissioned for the Mid-Term Review 2010-2011 Prepared by Ms. Eva von Oelreich January 2011 … The Chile earthquake is yet another tragic reminder that disaster risk is increasing globally. The Hyogo Framework for Action commits all countries to make major eff orts to reduce their disaster risk by 2015. The entire UN system is engaged in supporting these eff orts. It is clear that much more needs to be done to ensure that disaster risk reduction becomes natural part of our development eff orts. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s remarks to informal plenary meeting of the General Assembly on Chile, 10 March 2010. Hyogo Framework for Action Acknowledgements UNISDR is grateful to all members of the Advisory Group of the Mid-Term Review, who dedicated their time and advice to this project free of charge and with great commitment to the cause of disaster risk reduction, including by providing insightful comments on various drafts of this report under time pressure. In particular, we want to thank Susanne Frueh for advising on the methodology of the Mid-Term Review, Mukesh Kapila for facilitating the online debate on a post-2015 framework, Ronald Jackson for initiating the study on disaster risk reduction in the Caribbean, Virginia Murray for spearheading the study on databases for disaster risk reduction, Marco Ferrari for helping in defi ning the issue of international governance for disaster risk reduction, and Kenzo Oshima for requesting that the Japan International Cooperation Agency conduct an internal review of its contribution to the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action.
    [Show full text]
  • 2005 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation 4 May 2005
    NPT/CONF.2005/Misc.1 2005 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation 4 May 2005 of Nuclear Weapons Original: English New York, 25 April-May 2005 PROVISIONAL LIST OF PARTICIPANTS (Subject to corrections) ∗ I. STATES PARTIES ALBANIA Address: Permanent Mission of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations 320 East 79th Street, New York, N.Y. 10021 Telephone: (212) 249-2059 Mr. Agim Nesho Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative to the United Nations Head of Delegation Mr. Lublin Dilja Minister Plenipotentiary Permanent Mission Alternate member Mr. Ilir Melo Minister Counselor Permanent Mission Alternate member Ms. Elvina Jusufaj Second Secretary Permanent Mission Alternate member __________________ ∗ Corrections to be submitted to Room S-3140. 05-33749 (E) 090505 *0533749* NPT/CONF.2005/Misc.1 ALGERIA Address: Permanent Mission of Algeria to the United Nations 326 East 48th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017 Telephone: (212) 750-1960 M. Hocine Meghlaoui Secrétaire Général du Ministère des affaires etrangères Chef de la délégation M. Abdallah Baali Ambassadeur Représentant Permanent auprès de l’ONU à New York Membre M. Noureddine Bendjaballah Commissaire à l’Energie Atomique Membre M. Abdelaziz Lahiouel Directeur des Affaires politiques Internationales au MAE Membre M. Mourad Benmehidi Ambassadeur Représentant Permanent Adjoint auprès de l’ONU à New York Membre M. Larbi Alioua Conseiller auprès du Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique Membre M. Mohamed Belaoura Sous-directeur du Désarmement et des Questions de Sécurité Régionale au MAE Membre M. Larbi El Hadj Ali Ministre Plénipotentiaire près la Mission Permanente auprès de l’ONU à New York Membre M.
    [Show full text]
  • General Assembly Official Records Fifty-Sixth Session
    United Nations A/56/PV.65 General Assembly Official Records Fifty-sixth session 65th plenary meeting Tuesday, 27 November 2001, 3 p.m. New York President: Mr. Han Seung-soo ........................................ (Republic of Korea) In the absence of the President, Mr. Ouch (c) Strengthening of international cooperation and (Cambodia), Vice-President, took the Chair. coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl The meeting was called to order at 3.10 p.m. disaster Agenda item 20 (continued) Report of the Secretary-General (A/56/447) Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian (d) Participation of volunteers, “White Helmets”, and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, in the activities of the United Nations in the including special economic assistance field of humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and technical cooperation for development (a) Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations Report of the Secretary-General (A/56/308) Reports of the Secretary-General (A/56/95, (e) Assistance to the Palestinian people A/56/307, A/56/384 and Corr.1) Report of the Secretary-General (A/56/123 and Note by the Secretary-General (A/55/649) Corr.1) Mr. Ling (Belarus) (spoke in Russian): The Draft resolution (A/56/L.14) debate under agenda item 20 (c), “Strengthening of international cooperation and coordination of efforts to (b) Special economic assistance to individual study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the countries or regions Chernobyl disaster”, is taking place during this session of the General Assembly against the background of the Reports of the Secretary-General (A/56/158, fifteenth anniversary of the disaster at the Chernobyl A/56/264, A/56/269, A/56/338, A/56/361, nuclear power plant, a tragedy whose devastating A/56/389, A/56/412, A/56/470 and A/56/632) consequences continue, because of their very specific and long-lasting effects, to adversely affect the Draft resolutions (A/56/L.15, A/56/L.16) development of our country.
    [Show full text]
  • Parliamentary Assembly Assemblée Parlementaire
    Parliamentary Assembly Assemblée parlementaire FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE POLITICAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly Sub-Committee on External Relations Synopsis N° 2006 / 06 24 October 2006 The Sub-Committee on External Relations (of the Political Affairs Committee) meeting in New York (United States of America) on 19 and 20 October 2006, with Mr Schieder (Austria, SOC) acting as Head of Delegation: - held exchanges of views with: Ambassador Johan L. LOVALD, Permanent Representative of Norway to the UN, Vice- Chairman of the Peace building Commission; Mrs Louise ARBOUR, UN High Commissioner of Human Rights; Mr Jean-Marie GUEHENNO, UN Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping operations; Ms Angela KANE, UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs; Mr Nicolas MICHEL, UN Under-Secretary General for Legal Affairs; Mr Rashid KHALIKOV, Director, UN Office for Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs; Mr Shashi THAROOR, UN Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public information; Mr Ilya Y. ROGACHEV, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations; Ambassador Kenzo OSHIMA, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, President of the United Nations Security Council; Ambassador Juan Antonio YANEZ-BARNUEVO, Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations, Co-Sponsor of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. cc Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly Director General and staff of the Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly
    [Show full text]
  • Resolutions and Decisions of the Security Council 1 August 2005
    S/INF/61 Resolutions and Decisions of the Security Council 1 August 2005 – 31 July 2006 Security Council Official Records United Nations • New York, 2006 NOTE The present volume of Resolutions and Decisions of the Security Council contains the resolutions adopted and the decisions taken by the Council on substantive questions during the period from 1 August 2005 to 31 July 2006, as well as decisions on some of the more important procedural matters. The resolutions and decisions are set out in parts I and II, under general headings indicating the questions under consideration. In each part, the questions are arranged according to the date on which they were first taken up by the Council during the period under review, and under each question the resolutions and decisions appear in chronological order. The resolutions are numbered in the order of their adoption. Each resolution is followed by the result of the vote. Decisions are usually taken without a vote. S/INF/61 ISSN 0257-1455 Contents Page Membership of the Security Council in 2005 and 2006 ................................................................................................................. vii Resolutions adopted and decisions taken by the Security Council from 1 August 2005 to 31 July 2006 .............................. 1 Part I. Questions considered by the Security Council under its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan.........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Burmese Security Forces and Personnel Implicated in Serious Human Rights Abuses and Accountability Options
    Burmese Security Forces and Personnel Implicated in Serious Human Rights Abuses and Accountability Options (name redacted) Specialist in Asian Affairs Updated October 22, 2018 Congressional Research Service 7-.... www.crs.gov R45388 SUMMARY R45388 Burmese Security Forces and Personnel October 22, 2018 Implicated in Serious Human Rights Abuses name redacted and Accountability Options Specialist in Asian Affairs [email protected] At least 17 different reports by United Nations (U.N.) entities and independent human rights organizations have been released containing allegations that certain Burmese security force For a copy of the full report, officers and units committed serious human rights violations dating back to 2011. These reports please call 7-.... or visit name nearly 40 individuals and over 100 security units as responsible for such gross human www.crs.gov. rights violations as murder, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, and forced labor. Some of these individuals, including Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, were identified in four or more of the reports. Similarly, some of the security units, in particular Infantry Division 33 and Infantry Division 99, were cited by six or more of the reports. The reports suggest that the commission of human rights abuses by Burma’s security forces is pervasive, systematic, and endemic. CRS did not independently verify the credibility of these reports. The Trump Administration has labeled the alleged human rights violations as “ethnic cleansing” and has imposed “limited targeted sanctions” on five Burmese military officers and two military units it considers responsible for serious human rights violations against the Rohingya in Burma’s Rakhine State.
    [Show full text]
  • Diplomacy in Action: Expanding the Un Security Council’S Role in Crisis and Conflict Prevention
    DIPLOMACY IN ACTION: EXPANDING THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL’S ROLE IN CRISIS AND CONFLICT PREVENTION RICHARD GOWAN N Y U CENTER ON INTERNATIONAL C I C COOPERATION May 2017 CENTER ON INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION The world faces old and new security challenges that are more complex than our multilateral and national institutions are currently capable of managing. International cooperation is ever more necessary in meeting these challenges. The NYU Center on International Cooperation (CIC) works to enhance international responses to conflict and insecurity through applied research and direct engagement with multilateral institutions and the wider policy community. CIC’s programs and research activities span the spectrum of conflict insecurity issues. This allows us to see critical inter-connections between politics, security, development and human rights and highlight the coherence often necessary for effective response. We have a particular concentration on the UN and multilateral responses to conflict. TABLE OF CONTENTS DIPLOMACY IN ACTION: EXPANDING THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL’S ROLE IN CRISIS AND CONFLICT PREVENTION By Richard Gowan 1. INTRODUCTION: THE SECURITY COUNCIL’S LIMITATIONS 3 2. THE COUNCIL AND CRISIS DIPLOMACY: HISTORICAL PRECEDENTS 5 3. THE COUNCIL AND CRISIS DIPLOMACY: CURRENT SITUATION 8 4. THE SECURITY COUNCIL’S MISSING OPERATIONAL ROLE 12 5. RECOMMENDATIONS: INCREASING THE SECURITY COUNCIL’S OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS 14 ENDNOTES 17 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The UN Security Council has the potential to play a greater direct role in crisis response and mediation not only in New York, but in the field. It has done so sporadically in the past. In its early years, the Council experimented with inter-governmental missions to investigate potential conflicts and undertake mediation in cases including the Balkans and Indonesia.
    [Show full text]
  • Mayors for Peace Newsletter
    ayors for Peace NewsletterMayors for Peace MayorsMayors forfor PeacePeaceNewsletter NewsletterNewsletter Mayors for Peace Secretariat November 30, 2001 / No.16 To Build a 21st Century of Peace and Humanity From August 4 (Sat.) to 9 (Thurs.), the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki hosted the 5th World Conference of Mayors for Peace through Inter-city Solidarity. The theme was, “In order for Humankind to Live through the 21st Century - Toward Reconciliation between Humankind and Science and Technology.” This conference drew 200 participants representing 105 cities in 28 countries and two organizations, who came together to discuss the vast number of nuclear weapons that still threaten us as well as regional conflict, terrorism, hunger and poverty, and global environmental destruction. This year the special focus was on the film and electronic media environment with which our children must contend. Given the Mayor of Hiroshima, Tadatoshi Akiba delivering greetings recognition of myriad forms of violence, active debate ensued at the opening ceremony regarding the elimination of nuclear weapons, promotion of peace education, the peaceful resolution of conflict, and was deemed too long. It was changed to “Mayors for Peace,” preserving the global environment. The Hiroshima and which is shorter and easier to remember. Nagasaki Appeal adopted at the end of the conference The third issue was “an Overall Action Plan.” To make the expressed the results of this discussion. (see page 5). 21st “a century of peace and humanity,” the decision was This conference included 29 cities and 2 organizations taken to strengthen the activities of the Mayors for Peace. from nuclear-weapon states or suspected nuclear-weapon Reflecting the will of the participants, “an Overall Action states, the highest number ever.
    [Show full text]