Address & Guest SpeechAddress by His Majesty the Emperor
Opening Ceremony, 14 December, 2020
I am delighted that the Global Environmental Action (GEA) International Conference 2020 is being
held with participating experts from both Japan and overseas.
It is an urgent challenge for us to preserve the global environment from climate change and otherplanetary threats. For instance, in the field of hydrology, or water issues, which I have been involvedin for years, researchers have found that the remote cause in recent days of the frequent occurrenceof water-related disasters lies in climate change. We need immediate and adequate action to stop theserious increase of damage.
Another difficult challenge for humankind at this point in time is the spread of COVID-19 - a
disease which is currently running rampant around the world. To overcome this trying situation, it isimportant for all of us to work together, more united than ever. At the same time, the difficulties ofthis infectious disease, I believe, have given us opportunities to reflect anew on our daily lives andour society.
Under these circumstances, with the theme of “Integration of the Environment and Economy:
Towards a Virtuous Cycle of Environment and Growth,” this year’s conference is an invaluable
opportunity to bring together the world’s wisdom in order for us to work together across nationalboundaries and different perspectives with the aim of creating sustainable society. 2020 is animportant year. This year marks the beginning of the Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable
Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, and also the beginning of theimplementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change. With the whole world being required
to promote earnest efforts toward achieving these goals, each and every one of us should be
responsible to consider how to strive for the future to which we aspire.
I understand that experts from a variety of fields have been invited to this year’s conference toengage in discussions on such topics as national and corporate strategies and the roles of scienceand technology, and finance in a wide range of issues such as the Sustainable Development Goals,
climate change, biodiversity conservation, and the circular economy.
I expect that through this conference lively discussions will be conducted and a message will
be delivered to people around the world, in pursuit of realizing a future in which we, as thehumankind, our descendants, and all living things can enjoy the blessings of the global environment
everlastingly. I also hope that we overcome the challenge of COVID-19 and that concrete initiatives
for the creation of sustainable societies are further promoted.
Thank you.
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SUGA Yoshihide
Prime Minister of Japan

Opening Ceremony, 14 December, 2020
In the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, I would like to offer a few words on thisoccasion of the 12th Global Environmental Action International Conference being held here today.
Global environmental issues, such as the increasing effects of climate change , are becoming a major
threat to the international community. In order to address these issues, bold actions by all nations areessential. At my policy speech in October, I declared that Japan will aim to realize a carbon-neutral
society by 2050. This is a goal that we must definitely achieve in order for Japan to catch up with andstay ahead of global trends. Addressing environmental issues is no longer a constraint on economic
growth, but is a driver of overall economic and social transformation that generates significant growth.
In order to adjust our mindset to such a virtuous cycle of environment and growth, under our current
economic measures, we will create an unprecedented fund of 2 trillion yen to provide ongoingsupport over the next 10 years to companies taking on the challenge of developing ambitious
innovations. The fund will, for example, accelerate the practical implementation of advanced
technologies, such as extremely thin, light and efficient next-generation solar power technologythat can be installed on walls; technology that captures carbon dioxide and converts it into building
material or fuel; technology that produces and distributes hydrogen on a large scale inexpensively
to be used as fuel in airplanes and other vehicles; and low-cost, ultra-efficient storage battery
technology. At the same time, we will establish systems and regulations to maximize the adoption ofelectric vehicles and so on with the aim of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles to zero.
In January this year, we also established the Global Zero Emission Research Center (GZR), andwelcomed Dr. YOSHINO Akira, who will be speaking today, to serve as its director. Throughresearch and development with a focus on practical implementation, we will lead the world’s green
industries and create a virtuous cycle of the economy and the environment.
In addition, it is also important that we realize the “Osaka Blue Ocean Vision,” a framework thatwas shared at last year’s G20 Osaka Summit, and which is now endorsed by 86 countries. With an
aim to reduce additional pollution by marine plastic litter to zero by 2050, we are going to provide
technical assistance to developing countries. Passing on our beautiful planet to the next generation
is our current generation’s responsibility . I have great hopes that fruitful and spirited discussions
will take place at this Global Environmental Action International Conference to find simultaneous
solutions for environmental, economic, and social issues.
Finally, I would like to wish all of you here today good health and great success in your endeavors.
December 14, 2020, Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide. Congratulations.
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