Guest Speeches

Keiichiro ASAO, Minister of the Environment, began by stating that human activities are exceeding planetary boundaries, causing a triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution. In this context, there is a need to enhance synergy for problem-solving and minimise trade-offs. He mentioned that Japan proposed and adopted a resolution to promote synergy at the 6th UN Environment Assembly in March 2024. He then spoke about the "Asia-Pacific Synergy Report," which is being developed by the Ministry of the Environment, IGES, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the Asian Development Bank, to advance the implementation of this resolution in the Asia-Pacific region. He stated that the report will compile expertise on strengthening synergy based on the concept of a just transition. Furthermore, he re-emphasised Japan's role in leading the world by continuing to collaborate with many countries and organisations to promote the importance of synergy for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change goals, and for resolving the triple crisis, as well as by supporting its implementation. Finally, he expressed his hope that this year’s ISAP would provide an opportunity to deepen concrete discussions on strengthening synergy and a just transition.

Kazuya HASHIMOTO, Vice Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture, expressed his gratitude to IGES for contributing to the prefecture's policy formulation through collaborative projects, citing the "Kanagawa Decarbonization Vision 2050" as an example. He then introduced the prefecture's key policies in line with the theme of this ISAP. Regarding climate change, he explained that Kanagawa declared the realisation of a decarbonised society by 2050 ahead of the national government, raised its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, and completely revised the "Kanagawa Prefecture Global Warming Countermeasures Plan." Regarding biodiversity, he stated that measures are being promoted according to regional characteristics based on the "Kanagawa Biodiversity Plan." Regarding water and air environmental pollution, he mentioned that the prefecture is working to reduce environmental risks by enacting ordinances that impose stricter regulations than national laws, and regarding the formation of a circular society, it is promoting resource recycling initiatives under the "Kanagawa Prefecture Circular Society Creation Plan." He also referred to the International Horticultural Exposition, or GREENxEXPO 2027 to be held in Yokohama City in 2027 and the prefecture's initiatives. Finally, he emphasised that the prefecture will continue to actively promote various policies towards the realisation of a sustainable global environment under the basic philosophy of prefectural administration, "Vibrant INOCHI."

Opening remarks

Kazuhiko TAKEUCHI, President of IGES, stated that while the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution is worsening, the global situation surrounding global issues is also undergoing significant changes due to conflicts and geopolitical shifts. In this context, he pointed out the increasing importance of creating synergy to move away from conventional approaches that address problems individually and instead take a holistic view to integrate solutions. He also emphasised the need to consider just transition to achieve sustainability, leaving no-one behind. At this year’s ISAP, discussions will look at how to advance societal transformation in a changing world, focusing on strengthening synergy and achieving a just transition, based on IGES's research activities and achievements through an integrated approach. Following an introduction to the key session topics, he also mentioned ISAP's efforts to deepen inclusivity, such as interactive sessions with younger generations and networking meetings to share information with diverse participants. Finally, he introduced IGES's newly launched 9th Phase Integrative Strategic Research Programme and outlined the prospect of IGES as a sustainability think tank that responds to global needs from an integrated perspective.