Speeches by Hosts

TAKESHITA Wataru
Chairman, Global Environmental Action (GEA)
Opening Ceremony, 14 December, 2020
Good morning, everyone. I am afraid my voice is a little hoarse, so I hope you will forgive me if partsof it are difficult to hear.
In the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and with the participation of Prime
Minister Suga and other members of his Cabinet, it is a great honor for us to host this GEA
international conference. At the same time, I am acutely aware of the weight of that responsibility.
In hosting this year’s international conference in particular, we have taken the impact of the newcoronavirus very seriously and have had to take all possible measures against COVID-19. Regrettably,
this means we have had to limit the number of participants, and it has resulted in much inconvenience
to you all, including avoiding the three Cs and maintaining social distance inside the conference
venue. I would ask for your patience in this respect.
I feel that our actual experience over the past few years has been that we are experiencing changes
in the global environment on a daily basis. In any case, hot places are getting hotter, cold places are
getting colder, and every day, we are literally feeling the various changes enveloping our planet ina major way. In this context, I believe that we are at a point in time when we have to reconsider thequestion of how we can protect this planet to the end—what we must do now, not just for ourselves,
but also for the sake of our children and grandchildren and for the people living on Earth in 100 years
and 200 years from now.
Various parts of the world are currently exhibiting aspects of antagonism. Rather than confrontation,
conflict and division, however, what we must do is engage in thorough discussion and take firmmeasures. If we look around the world, there are people and nations that venture out under bannersof freedom, democracy, philanthropy and so on even in difficult or dangerous regions. One of thesepeople is Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, a doctor who fell victim in Afghanistan some time ago. I envisagethat a time will come when people and nations that venture out to all parts of this harsh planet will
surely play an active role under the banner of the global environment. However, each region has its
own history and its own culture. Perhaps not everything can pass muster under a banner of the global
environment alone. I feel certain that people who play an active role under the two banners of culture
and maintaining the global environment will do a proper job of protecting the Earth.
I am delighted that we are able to hold an international conference like this again this year. Gathering
wisdom and great scholars from around the world, we will engage in in-depth discussions overthe next two days, after which we will make recommendations to the world. We are holding thisinternational conference again this year in the hope that our toil can be of some small help to thefuture of the Earth. In concluding my opening remarks as Chairman, I would like to extend myheartfelt gratitude to you all for coming, and express my sincere hope that everyone here can engage
in exhaustive discussions and make substantive contributions for the future. Thank you.
42UTO Takashi
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, JapanLuncheon, 14 December, 2020
Distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen, as announced, Minister for Foreign Affairs Motegi
is currently away on business in Africa, so I will be speaking on his behalf. My name is Uto Takashi
and I am the State Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Global Environmental Action (GEA) has contributed significantly toward the resolution of global
environmental and sustainable development issues over the last 30 years, with this conference
being one of the most important, enduring legacies of GEA’s activities to date. It is, indeed, a great
privilege to have this opportunity to speak to you here today.
I would first like to offer my congratulations for the successful opening of the face-to-face GEA
International Conference this morning in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress
and with the attendance of Prime Minister Suga, amid the unprecedented challenges posed by
COVID-19.
The theme for this year’s conference, “Integration of the Environment and Economy: Towards aVirtuous Cycle of Environment and Growth,” in our view, is timely and in line with the pillar of ournew growth strategy presented by Prime Minister, to pursue a virtuous cycle of the economy and theenvironment.
As mentioned in Prime Minister Suga’s speech today, recently, the Suga administration signaled thatthe most urgent task for us is to tackle global issues such as climate change, leading to a declaration
that, by 2050, Japan seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero.
My birthplace in Kagoshima prefecture, located in southwestern Japan, has been a victim of suchclimate change: In over a half century from 1951 to this year, as many as 41 typhoons have madelandfall in Kagoshima, far exceeding the 26 landfalls in second-ranked Kochi Prefecture. Wecannot eliminate typhoons, but it may be possible to reduce the damage caused by typhoons andheavy rains if we can promote disaster prevention and mitigation efforts to help prevent the risein seawater temperature. This may be possible if we unite with the world in promoting globalwarming countermeasures through multilateral mechanisms such as the Paris Agreement.
In order to pass on a healthy and beautiful natural landscape to our future generations, as State
Minister for Foreign Affairs, my desire is to address global issues such as climate change, in concertwith other nations around the world.
In closing, I would again like to express my appreciation to all of you who have dedicatedyourselves in preparing for this conference, and wish the conference every success.
Thank you very much.

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MUNEKIYO Kouichi
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
Luncheon, 14 December, 2020
As introduced, my name is Munekiyo Koichi and I am a Parliamentary Vice-Minister at the Ministryof Economy, Trade and Industry. I would like to offer a few words on behalf of the Ministry ofEconomy, Trade and Industry.
First, I would like to express my sincere respect for GEA’s many years of contributions toward
resolving global environmental issues and realizing a sustainable society.
During his policy speech at the most recent Diet session, Prime Minister Suga announced his policyof “aiming to realize a carbon-neutral, decarbonized society by 2050.”
The issue of climate change is now a pressing issue for all of humanity. Many countries around theworld are moving toward a goal of carbon neutrality. Japan is taking on the challenge of carbon
neutrality as a growth strategy, and is aiming to get through this crisis by expanding business
opportunities through innovation creation.
Needless to say, achieving carbon neutrality is not an easy task. It requires the concerted efforts of
the whole of Japan. High goals and aspirational visions must be set, and industry, academia andgovernment must all work together in earnest.
To this end, by the end of this month, we plan to finalize an action plan that incorporates specifictargets and timeframes, as well as regulations, standardization and other institutional developments,
plus support measures to promote social implementation in areas that are essential for aspiring forcarbon neutrality, including hydrogen, storage batteries, offshore wind power and carbon recycling.
As the flag waver for the industrial world, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is seeking
to create a virtuous cycle between the economy and the environment through long-term support
measures by maximizing its commitment of all manner of resources.
That experts from Japan and abroad having been invited to the GEA International Conference 2020 toengage in discussion on this year’s theme of “Integration of the Environment and Economy: Towards
a Virtuous Cycle of Environment and Growth” makes this conference very timely. I have high hopesthat this conference will serve as an opportunity leading to the sustainable development of the entire
world.
In concluding my brief remarks, I would like to express my sincere wishes for the success of today’s
meetings and for the continued good health and successful endeavors of everyone present. Thank you.

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NAKAGAWA Toshio
Senior Advisor, Global Environmental Action (GEA)
President, Japan Medical Association
Luncheon, 14 December, 2020
The COVID-19 is seriously affecting people's lives, health, social life, and economy worldwide,
even now.
In Japan, its outbreak demanded us to incorporate infection control measures into our daily lives-- for example, keeping distance between people, wearing masks, through hand hygiene, avoiding“3Cs,” and adapting to a so-called “new lifestyle.” The country is faced with a difficult task ofachieving infection control, saving our economy, and relieving people’s anxiety all at the same time;on the other hand, it is unexpectedly giving us an opportunity to face and seriously reevaluate ourprevious lifestyle, work style, and values.
The Japan Medical Association (JMA) has been working on what is needed to maintain thehealthcare system for the COVID-19 as well as other diseases, with the cooperation of theprefectural and municipal medical associations.
We also hold online meetings with those medical associations to understand the problems they facein local medical practice and make necessary requests to the national government.
Right now, the mental and physical fatigue of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers isreaching its peak, and an apprehension that some will start to withdraw from the front line due toexhausting work is becoming a reality. Medical institutions and facilities are paying close attention
to infection control, but there is a limit to it when anyone can be infected.
An increase in the number of the infected will lead to an increase in the number of seriously illpatients. If the number of the infected continues to rise, medical care delivery will become evenmore difficult than it is now. Compensation for healthcare workers and securing human resources
will require government support; however, the most precious support is not to increase the numberof the infected.
From our standout as medical professionals, the first priority is to protect the lives and health ofthe people, and, we believe that through infection prevention measures will be the best economic
measures in the end.
JMA continuously send out information through our press conferences and website, encouraging
people to judge and act calmly and correctly.
At a recent press conference, we stated that it is important to first understand that "there are many
unknowns that are yet unclarified.” Up till now, most people in Japan have taken preventative
measures against infection. As a result, the number of influenza patients drastically dropped, but
the COVID-19 situation still remains. In other words, the power of infectivity of the COVID-19 is45threatening, and the situation will only get worse if we are to resume our previous lifestyle. As wehave been pleading with people, the basic infection prevention measures are the key.
We are also aware that some people who have regular outpatient appointments or feel ill due tomajor changes in lifestyle or those who are expected to receive vaccinations or undergo healthscreening are withholding or postponing a visit to a physician in fear of infection risk. JMA isissuing 18,000 “Everyone Can Feel Safe Signs” since August 7th for medical institutions withthrough infection prevention measures so that patients can feel safe when seeking medical care.
Japan is about to enter the full-scale winter, and soon the New Year holiday season will come.
We are currently receiving help from many medical institutions nationwide to prepare a systemfor professional consultation and care for patients with fever, while maintaining daily practice,
vaccinations, and health screening.
We are also hoping that the COVID-19 vaccine will take effect. The vaccination is expected to startnext spring, but establishing a system for vaccination will be an issue from now on.
It is said that COVID-19 may never completely "end" -- and even if it "converges," the remote work
style will likely take hold, and we would never resume our previous lifestyle entirely. Due to various
effects associated with COVID-19, we should anticipate a change in future disease structure as well.
We need to pay close attention to such change, which may require us to take a different approach inhealthcare unlike the ones before.
JMA will continue to strive for maintaining the community healthcare system and protecting thelives and health of the people in Japan.
Thank you.

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TAKAHASHI Hinako
State Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan
Luncheon, 15 December, 2020
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is TAKAHASHI Hinako, and I am the State Minister ofEducation, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. I would like to say a few words, but please,continue with your meals.
First, I would like to pay tribute to everyone participating in this conference who is working on
global environmental issues both in Japan and overseas, and to Chairman Takeshita Wataru, Vice
Chairman Wakamatsu Kaneshige and all the members of the Organizing Committee and Secretariat
for their efforts in organizing this conference.
With respect to global environmental issues, Japan too is entering a new phase, demonstrated, forexample, by the policy announced by Prime Minister Suga in October for “realization of a carbonneutral, decarbonized society by 2050” as a new target for reducing greenhouse gases, as well as by
the “Climate Emergency Declaration” which was adopted by both Houses.
Based on a theme of “Integration of the Environment and Economy: Towards a Virtuous Cycle ofEnvironment and Growth,” I believe that the discussions at this year’s GEA International Conference2020 have been very timely as they are aimed at facilitating the creation and revitalization ofinnovation for decarbonization and strengthening measures to achieve the targets for the reductionof greenhouse gases which were agreed to in the Paris Agreement.
As discussed at this conference, I believe it is important for academia, industry and all other sectors
to work together under a framework of international consultation in tackling climate change in orderto achieve the reduction targets for greenhouse gases that were established in the Paris Agreement
and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Recently, extreme weather phenomena such as torrential rains and heat waves have been occurringin various parts of the world, and there are concerns that these extreme events will increase in theintensity and frequency due to global warming. In these circumstances, I believe that the role ofscience and technology is becoming increasingly important.
Based on international and domestic trends and in light of the suggestions made at this international
conference, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will continue
contributing to the building of a sustainable society, working on research into climate change
prediction, development of observation technologies and research and development into innovative
energy technologies necessary for adaptation to and mitigation of global warming.
In closing, I wish this conference continued success so that humankind can realize a sustainable
future. Thank you.

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IWAI Shigeki
State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, JapanLuncheon, 15 December, 2020
Good afternoon, everyone. As introduced, my name is IWAI Shigeki, and I am the State Ministerof Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. I would like to take the opportunity of this amiable
luncheon at the GEA International Conference 2020 to say a few words.
I would like to wholeheartedly welcome everyone from Japan and abroad who has gathered here
for the GEA International Conference 2020. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude
to members of Global Environmental Action and to all those involved in preparations for thisconference.
In recent years, the impact of climate change on society and the economy has been quite sizeable,with natural disasters becoming more frequent and more intense. In such a context, I believe thatmeasures to combat global warming cannot be taken soon enough. In my view, Japan as a wholeneeds to take a strategic approach to global warming countermeasures in order to “realize a carbonneutral, decarbonized society by 2050” as announced by Prime Minister Suga.
At the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, with an aim of decarbonizing
the transportation, business and household sectors, which account for about 50% of Japan’s CO 2
emissions, in cooperation with other relevant ministries and agencies, we will further promote thedissemination of electric cars and other next-generation vehicles, greater use of public transportationand improvements in logistics efficiency, and better energy conservation in homes and buildings.
Furthermore, by utilizing ports and harbors, sewage systems and other social infrastructure, we will
also work to contribute to the broader use of renewable energies, such as offshore wind power andbiomass, as well as next-generation energy sources such as hydrogen.
In addition to these measures for mitigating global warming, we also need to redouble our efforts
for climate change adaptation measures. Entrusted with the important mission of protecting
the lives and livelihoods of our citizens from natural disasters, in July this year, the Ministry ofLand, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced the “Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
Project.” Taking a bird’s-eye view of whole river basins, we will work hard in collaboration with allstakeholders to realize a safe and secure society in which disaster management and mitigation are
mainstream, such as shifting to river basin flood control involving both physical and non-physicalflood control measures.
In closing, I hope that the outcomes of active discussions among experts on global environmental
issues from Japan and overseas will contribute greatly to the sustainable future of our planet. In
addition, I wish you all good health and I hope that the COVID-19 pandemic ends as soon as
possible. Thank you.

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KUMANO Seishi
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan
Luncheon, 15 December, 2020
My name is Kumano Seishi, and I am the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Agriculture, Forestry andFisheries. In addition to extending a heartfelt welcome to everyone here today, I would like to takethis opportunity to pay tribute to Chairman Takeshita and all those involved in organizing the GEA
International Conference 2020.
The agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries form the foundations of our nation, providing astable supply of food to the people together with the food industry, supporting local economies andcommunities, and through these activities, playing a role in the conservation of national land. Alongwith developing the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries, I believe it is important to protect
the rich and beautiful agricultural, mountain and fishing villages, which are archetypal images ofJapan.
On the other hand, Japan’s food, agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries are facing challenges
such as the impacts of natural disasters and climate change, as well as the weakening of theproduction base due in part to a decrease in producers. Therefore, a pressing need now is to build
sustainable food systems that also take into account the future of the agriculture, forestry andfisheries industries and the future of regional areas.
Furthermore, as the importance of the SDGs and the environment grows in Japan and overseas, I
believe that this will also lead to better appreciation of products made in Japan. In order to realize
a carbon-neutral society by 2050, we are currently considering a new strategy for achieving bothproductivity improvements and sustainability of Japan’s food, agriculture, forestry and fisheries
industries through innovation, called “Japan’s Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems.”
The strategy aims to strike a balance between the global environment and a stable supply of foodin Japan plus the sustainable development of our agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries. It
also aims to increase employment, raise income levels in local areas and achieve rich diets. We arecommitted to formulating and implementing a strategy that accords with the virtuous cycle of theenvironment and growth for which the GEA is aspiring.
In closing, I would like to offer my best wishes for the continued good health and success toeveryone gathered here today, and I pray that this conference is fruitful for the protection of asustainable and beautiful planet. Thank you.

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