Japan urges G20 countries to support UN, WTO reforms

By Ayse Irem Tiryaki

Japan's Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Akahori Takeshi Wednesday called for "reforms" to the UN and World Trade Organization to tackle global issues, urging the G20 countries to support this momentum.

Speaking at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held on margins of the 79th UN General Assembly sessions, Akahori emphasized the need for urgent global governance reforms to strengthen the rule of law and address issues like the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel's attacks on Gaza.

Urging the UN for reforms, he emphasized the need for the UN Security Council to be "reliable and transparent in its responsibilities to effectively address global issues."

Akahori stated that the majority, including developing countries, is calling for expanded UN memberships and urged the G20 to support action for UN and Security Council reforms.

- World Trade Organization reform

Akahori also called for "reform" to the World Trade Organization, emphasizing the need to strengthen the multilateral trading system.

He urged the G20 countries to work together to create "political momentum" and accelerate negotiations to establish a functional dispute resolution system by the year's end.

- Artificial intelligence

Akahori highlighted the "Hiroshima AI Process" from Japan's 2023 G7 Presidency, noting it has led to international guiding principles.

He stated that the country will continue to mitigate risks related to artificial intelligence, including promoting the implementation of rules governing the AI.