Knowledge Forum “Keynote by Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General: The Role of International Cooperation in Protecting Lives, Livelihoods, and Dignity”

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations. At the "Tokyo Conference 2025" held in March this year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the importance of reaffirming principles that emerged from the lessons of the world wars: building peace through dialogue, respecting human rights and international law, and advancing social progress and sustainable development.

However, today's world faces numerous challenges, including armed conflicts, climate change, risks posed by digital technology, and trade wars, all of which threaten to undermine these principles. The likely delay in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is alarming. Only 17% of the targets are on track, nearly half are only making minimal progress, and over a third are stagnating or regressing, as highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024.

In this context, developed countries increasingly prioritize their national interests and security, reduce development aid funding while increasing defense spending, and shift aid toward initiatives that directly benefit their own economies. This raises concerns about whether sufficient resources can be secured to address global challenges such as climate change while meeting the development needs of developing countries.

Meanwhile, the "Global South," comprising emerging and developing countries, is increasing its presence. Former less developed countries are rising as emerging economies, gaining influence both politically and economically. There is a growing movement toward partnerships within the “Global South”. This shift challenges the conventional view of international cooperation as aid flowing from developed to developing countries.

In the current global landscape then, what is required in international cooperation today and in the future? Which principles, values, and approaches need reaffirmation, and which ones need change?

In this forum, Nakamitsu Izumi, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, will deliver a keynote speech titled "International Cooperation: Toward a World Where People's Lives, Livelihoods, and Dignity are Protected." Following her address, we will host Nagai Yosuke, Executive Director of Accept International, and Miyazaki Katsura, Executive Senior Vice President of JICA, to deepen the discussion on the international cooperation required to achieve human security.

10:00-10:30【30mins.】
Keynote Speech: International Cooperation Toward a World Where People's Lives, Dignity, and Livelihoods are Protected
・Ms. Nakamitsu Izumi
Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs

10:30-11:10【40mins.】
Discussion and Q&A
Discussants:
・Ms. Nakamitsu Izumi
Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
・Mr. Nagai Yosuke
Executive Director of Accept International
・Ms. Miyazaki Katsura
Executive Senior Vice President of JICA
Moderator:
・Ms.Kamei Haruko
Director General, JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development

11:10-11:15【5mins】
Closing Remarks
・Prof.Mine Yoichi
Executive Director, JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development

Please register by clicking here .
*Registration will be closed at noon August 1^st (Japan time).

JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development（Ms.Kajino / Mr.Takeuchi）
E-mail：dritrp@jica.go.jp