NEW YORK – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi focused, in her address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, on a range of international issues, including peace and security, energy security, climate change, development and artificial intelligence, as well as reform of the United Nations system.
In her speech in New York on September 22, Takaichi said the international system is facing a period of instability, pointing to rising geopolitical tensions, disruptions to trade and supply chains, as well as challenges related to development and human rights.
Peace, Security and the Rule of Law
On international security, Japan focused on de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and support for an international order based on the rule of law.
Takaichi said Japan would play a more proactive role in the peaceful settlement of disputes, referring to the establishment of a Peace Mediation Unit within the Japanese government in March 2026.
She also highlighted the importance of maintaining freedom and security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, noting that the stability of maritime routes in the Middle East is linked to regional security and the stability of the global economy.
Energy Security and Supply Chains
Japan placed energy security and supply-chain resilience at the center of its address, calling for free and transparent energy trade and stronger international coordination on oil stockpiling and cooperation between producing and consuming countries.
It also highlighted the importance of strengthening more resilient supply chains for energy and essential resources, including critical minerals, as well as plans to deepen energy cooperation with Gulf countries.
Japan also discussed initiatives aimed at supporting critical-mineral-producing countries and strengthening their capacity for mining, refining and processing.
Climate Action and the Green Transition
On climate change, Takaichi said climate action and economic growth can go hand in hand.
She pointed to Japan’s Green Transformation (GX) strategy, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with a focus on technology and energy efficiency.
She also highlighted the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), through which Japan seeks to combine emissions reductions with energy security and economic growth.
Development and Cooperation with the Global South
The address also touched on development cooperation, highlighting the role of Japan’s official development assistance in supporting developing countries.
Takaichi said Japan would continue working with African countries on industrial development, job creation and connectivity, while maintaining cooperation with Pacific island countries on issues including maritime security and climate change.
She also highlighted Japan’s support for achieving universal health coverage and strengthening cooperation on disaster risk reduction.
Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Risks
On artificial intelligence, Takaichi said advances in the field offer significant opportunities for humanity while also creating challenges, including risks related to national security, the spread of misinformation and propaganda.
She referred to the Hiroshima AI Process, launched by Japan to develop international principles and rules for generative AI, and reaffirmed efforts to build a “safe, secure and trustworthy” AI ecosystem.
Japan Calls for a More Effective United Nations
In closing, Takaichi stressed the importance of multilateralism, saying that international challenges cannot be addressed by any one country alone.
She called for reform of the United Nations and the Security Council, including expanding both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership so that the Council’s structure better reflects the current international community.
She reaffirmed that Japan would continue to support UN reform with the aim of creating a “more resilient and effective” organization, as Japan marks the 70th anniversary of its admission to the United Nations this year.
