Japan's Foreign Policy and Global Governance - Keynote Address by H.E. Mr. Takeshi Iwaya, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan

UNGA High-Level Week Special Dialogue:

Strategic Frontiers: Japan–U.S. Leadership in a Fragmenting World

On September 22, 2025, the International House of Japan (I-House) co-hosted with Japan Society (New York) the special dialogue “Strategic Frontiers: Japan–U.S. Leadership in a Fragmenting World” in New York with support from the American Friends of the International House of Japan. Timed with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week, the event was designed as a forum to discuss how Japan and the United States can exercise leadership amid a world marked by increasing fragmentation and rivalry.

Foreign Minister Iwaya's Keynote Address

The dialogue opened with a keynote address (featured in this video) by Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, entitled “Japan's Foreign Policy and Global Governance.” Minister Iwaya outlined three main pillars of Japan's diplomacy: strengthening the Japan–U.S. alliance, enhancing cooperation with like-minded countries and neighboring states, and deepening engagement with the Global South. He emphasized that the alliance with the United States remains the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy and security policy, and that candid dialogue—even in times of disagreement—is essential to sustaining a robust He also noted Japan's efforts to expand practical cooperation through networks such as the Quad and trilateral frameworks, while pursuing a “constructive and stable relationship” with China based on principles. Regarding the Global South, he underscored the importance of working together as equal partners to address shared challenges, citing TICAD and other multilateral engagements. Concluding his speech, Minister Iwaya pledged that Japan would serve as a “hub” that connects countries through dialogue and cooperation in a divided world alliance.

Session 1: Geoeconomic Statecraft: Renewing U.S.-Japan Partnership

The first session focused on the growing intersection of economics and security. Panelists discussed the challenges posed by protectionist trade measures, supply chain fragmentation, and competition over critical minerals and emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing. The discussion highlighted the need for Japan and the United States to enhance economic resilience, safeguard innovation, and sustain a rules-based economic order. Panelists also raised questions about the future of the international monetary system, the role of the dollar, and how cooperation with the Global South could reshape global economic governance.

Session 2: AI and Global Security: Balancing Innovation, Security, and Global Responsibility

The second session addressed the implications of artificial intelligence for international security and governance. Participants noted that AI is increasingly an “enabler and multiplier” in military and strategic domains, shaping surveillance, cyber operations, and autonomous systems. At the same time, they expressed concern over risks such as malfunction, bias, and disinformation, which could destabilize global security. While initiatives such as the UN Global Digital Compact and the REAIM Summit show some progress in governance, international efforts to regulate military uses of AI remain limited. The discussion probed whether AI will fuel a new arms race, and how international humanitarian law can ensure accountability and human control in the use of emerging technologies.

Promoting Japan-U..S Relations through Intellectual Dialogue

This special dialogue provided a timely opportunity to present Japan's diplomatic vision on the global stage and to engage U.S. and international allies on two of the most pressing issues of our time: economic security and AI governance. It demonstrated Japan and the United States' shared commitment to sustaining a stable and resilient international order, while highlighting the importance of working with the Global South to tackle global challenges. For I-House, the event underscored its role as a hub for international dialogue, bringing together leaders and experts to address strategic issues that shape our collective future.