Rector Tshilidzi Marwala emphasized that the ideals of the UN Charter extend beyond the Organization to society at large and praised Japan’s longstanding support for multilateralism and dialogue. Marking both the UN’s 80th and UNU’s 50th anniversaries, he recalled Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress attending a commemorative event at UNU Headquarters and outlined UNU’s growth into a network of 13 institutes across 12 countries—the only UN entity headquartered in East Asia. Since taking office, he has aimed to engage citizens across all 47 prefectures—having already lectured in 24—and he closed his remarks by thanking Japan’s Government, the Diet, academia, business, and many “friends of the UN,” calling for stronger bonds toward peace, dignity, equality, and sustainable development.
Reporter: Koki Imon
For more details of this meeting, please see here.
Full Statement (English Translation)
“It is a great honor to speak at this forum. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. I extend my deep gratitude to the Speaker of the House of Representatives for hosting this important gathering and for the invitation.
Over these eighty years, the United Nations has played a vital role in helping humanity overcome its greatest trials. Each time I read the UN Charter, I reflect on those who, from the ruins of war, pledged themselves to peace—and I feel anew our responsibility to carry forward their noble legacy today.
The Charter’s ideals extend well beyond the UN framework to humanity at large, and each of us bears responsibility to advance its spirit and principles. For many years, Japan has sought solutions to common challenges as a defender of the United Nations and of multilateralism and peaceful dialogue. Although Japan is the third-largest contributor to the UN regular budget, its contributions go well beyond financing.
Japanese leaders and UN officials embody this spirit—for example, Izumi Nakamitsu (UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs), Shoko Noda (UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Crisis Bureau Director), Judge Yuji Iwasawa of the International Court of Justice, and Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court. Their work reminds us that peace is not a passive status but something built through inclusive multilateralism and pioneering leadership.
As the UN turns 80 this year, the United Nations University marks its 50th anniversary. I am deeply honored to serve as its Rector. Last month, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress attended a commemorative event at UNU Headquarters, with Diet members also present—an emblem of Japan’s enduring commitment to international peace, trust, and sustainable development.
Thanks to the Government of Japan’s endowment and its gift of a headquarters facility over fifty years ago, the United Nations University formally began its academic research activities in September 1975. Today, UNU is the only UN entity headquartered in East Asia, with 13 institutes in 12 countries working on humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Since becoming Rector in 2023, I have been deeply grateful for the warm support of the Government of Japan, Ministers, Diet members, academia, the business community, and many “friends of the UN.” I aim to visit all 47 prefectures, delivering public lectures and engaging directly with local communities—24 so far. Everywhere I go, I sense a shared commitment to harmony and a deep responsibility to people, nature, and future generations. UNU must bring the UN’s ideals closer to people not only in Tokyo but across Japan.
Finally, I reiterate my gratitude to the Diet for this invitation and to the Government of Japan for decades of support to the UN system. May our bonds grow even stronger over the next eighty years in pursuit of peace, dignity, equality, and sustainable development.”