Japan's ambassador to the United Nations has vowed to make efforts to maintain the peace and security of the international community as the country serves as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.

A flag installation ceremony for five newly-elected non-permanent members of the council was held at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. The five members are Japan, Switzerland, Malta, Ecuador and Mozambique, which will hold the seats for two years beginning in 2023.

Japan's UN envoy Ishikane Kimihiro said responsibilities borne by Security Council members are bigger than ever.

He said they need to reconfirm the principles and philosophy of the UN Charter to uphold the rule of law and to consider what they can do for the many people whose security and livelihoods are under threat today.

This is the 12th time Japan has been elected to hold a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, more than any other UN member. The country will also hold the monthly rotating presidency of the council in January.

Five permanent members, including the United States and Russia, and ten non-permanent members sit on the council. Non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms, with five replaced each year.

Critics point out that the Security Council has been unable to fulfill its functions as major powers are at odds over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and issues involving North Korea.

Ishikane spoke at a news conference at the UN on Wednesday about his expectations in the Security Council regarding relations with China and Russia.

Ishikane said the council must pursue dialogue with the two countries to come up with a unified decision that can make a difference on regional security.

Regarding North Korea's repeated ballistic missile launches, Ishikane said he would "like to convey the voice Japan, of Japanese people who are facing this -- threatening danger coming from our neighborhood."

He said he will work for unity in the Security Council so that its "voice could have an impact upon North Korea."