H E Yuichi Oba, Ambassador for Global Health Diplomacy, Deputy Assistant Minister, and Deputy Director-General of the International Cooperation Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo by Joel Johnson/ The Peninsula
DOHA: At the Second World Summit for Social Development, Ambassador for Global Health Diplomacy, Deputy Assistant Minister, and Deputy Director-General of the International Cooperation Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Yuichi Oba, reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering commitment to advancing human security, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strengthening international partnerships for inclusive social progress.
Speaking to The Peninsula in an interview, Ambassador Oba highlighted Japan’s strong partnership with Qatar as a model of constructive bilateral cooperation. “Japan also values its strong and fruitful partnership with Qatar, built on mutual trust and shared aspirations for peace, stability, and sustainable development,” he said.
“Through our close cooperation in areas such as energy, education, and human development, Japan and Qatar continue to demonstrate how bilateral ties can contribute meaningfully to regional and global progress.”
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Japan, Ambassador Oba underscored that human security, a concept long championed by Japan, must remain central to the global development agenda.
“Japan has long emphasised the concept of human security that places the individual at the centre and seeks to protect human dignity,” he said.
“This concept also forms the foundation of the SDGs, particularly the principle of Leave No One Behind. To realise a society where the dignity of every individual is respected, it is essential that we embrace human security as a guiding principle in our efforts toward social development.”
Highlighting Japan’s enduring commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Ambassador Oba noted the urgency of concerted international action. “The time remaining until the deadline for achieving the SDGs in 2030 is limited,” he said. “We need to promote solidarity and cooperation within the international community in our pursuit of achieving the SDGs.”
Japan continues to lead by example through its Voluntary National Review (VNR) presented in July, which showcased the country’s experience in addressing complex social issues such as a declining birth rate and aging population. “Japan has been turning these challenges into opportunities, revitalising our domestic policies while sharing lessons and experiences with other countries,” Ambassador Oba explained.
He emphasised Japan’s global contributions in promoting universal health coverage (UHC), advancing disaster risk reduction under the Sendai Framework, and investing in education and human capital development across developing nations.
Ambassador Oba also referenced Japan’s evolving foreign policy vision under Prime Minister Takaiichi Sanae, who is committed to advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
He added: “Japan will continue to refine and evolve this vision in response to the changing times,” the envoy noted, stressing cooperation with “like-minded partners that share fundamental values, as well as with the countries of the Global South.”
The official reaffirmed Japan’s determination to collaborate with the global community to address shared social and development challenges. “Japan will continue to work together with the international community to advance human dignity and sustainable development for all,” Ambassador Oba added.
