Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called for urgent reforms to the U.N. Security Council, including the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership, saying the 15-member body is failing to function effectively. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Ishiba stressed the need to strengthen the international order based on the rule of law, which he said faces a “historic challenge.”
Ishiba condemned Russia for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, stating that such acts undermine global stability. Turning to the Middle East, he demanded that Israel halt expanded ground operations in the Gaza Strip, warning that they are worsening the humanitarian crisis. He pledged that Japan will continue providing humanitarian aid to Gazans and stressed that ignoring their suffering is unacceptable.
On the issue of Palestinian statehood, Ishiba reaffirmed that recognition by Japan is inevitable, calling it a matter of “when” rather than “if.” He warned that Japan would take “new measures” if Israeli actions jeopardized the two-state solution, pledging that Japan will remain proactive in advancing peace between Israel and Palestine.
Ishiba also addressed the threat of nuclear weapons, highlighting concerns over Russia’s nuclear threats and stressing the importance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the most realistic path toward a nuclear-free world. He reiterated Japan’s vow never to repeat the horrors of war, reflecting on the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
On North Korea, Ishiba urged full implementation of Security Council resolutions for denuclearization and called for dialogue over abducted Japanese citizens, describing the issue as a pressing humanitarian concern. His address at the UN General Assembly was a final speech as Prime Minister, as he plans to step down from his post as leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party in October.