Applying SDGs to
The Invigoration of Localities
October 4, 2017

Masato Koumura
Director General,
Office for Promotion of Overcoming Population Decline
and Vitalizing Local Economy in Japan
Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

Table of Contents
Ⅰ

Efforts for Invigoration of Localities

Ⅱ Activities and Outcomes of the “FutureCity” Initiative
Ⅲ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
IV Promoting Local Government SDGs for Invigoration of Localities
V Conclusion
2

Ⅰ Efforts for Invigoration of Localities

3

Why Localities Need to be Invigorated
Socioeconomic impacts of a society with declining population
Social security, etc. become
unsustainable

Towards a “piggyback” society
Rapid aging is expected going forward, leading to a harsh reality where “one youth
piggybacks one elderly.”
Creating
workplacewhere elderly
can continue
working forlong time

1965: “Group lift” 2012: “Mock cavalry battle” 2050: “Piggyback”

・ Burden per worker increases, workers
lose motivation to work
9.1 people 20-64 years oldfor each person 65 years or
older

2.4 people 20-64 years oldfor each person 65 years or
older

1.2 people 20-64 years oldfor each person 65 years orolder

Social security reform efforts
necessary to increase supporting
population as much as possible
Support for children and child rearing, etc.

Economic vitality decreases in hilly
and mountainous areas, etc
Elderly population rises rapidly inTokyo metropolitan area in theimmediate term・ Securing medical and nursing care
・ Tokyo metropolitan area takes away younglabor force

Growth rate of 75-and-older population in Tokyo area from 2010 to 2040
The cities named are main urban areas with growth rate of
100% or higher with major secondary medical institutions.

Ageo

Kasukabe

Saitama

Tokorozawa Wako

Hachioji Northern
Kawasaki
Sagamihara
Northern
Atsugi Yokohama

MatsudoFunabashi

NaritaChiba
Ichihara

Map shows Tokyo area, where the growth of the 75-and-older population from 2010 to 2040 isparticularly high. The 75-and-older population grows by 100% or more from 2010 to 2040 inwestern Chiba, eastern and central Saitama, and northern Yokohama.

Many of the localities could vanish, leading to the eventual decline of Japan as a whole
Overcome “population decline” and aim for invigoration of localities and of Japan4

● Number of births and birthrate in Japan: Japan’s future demographic trends●●

Number of births and birthrate in long-term decline since mid-1970s.
Total fertility rate has been less than the population replacement level (the level at which
the population size is maintained) 2.07 for approximately 40 years since 1975.

Number of births and total fertility rate from 1947 to 2016

10,000 people
Number of births
First Baby Boom (1947-49)
Highest number of births
2,696,638

Second Baby Boom (1971-76)
2,091,983 births
Lowest number of births
976,979 births

1966, Year of
Hinoe-uma (Firehorse)
1,360,974 births

2005
Lowest total fertility rate: 1.26

NumberofbirthsTotal
fertility
rate

2016
1.44

Number of births
Total fertility rate

1947

1965
1975
1985
1955
（出典）厚生労働省「人口動態統計」
Source:Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Vital Statistics

1990

1995

2005

2016

5

Charting a New Course for Invigoration of Localities
With FY2017 being the mid-point year for the “City, People, and Work Comprehensive Strategy,” new measures toaccelerate existing efforts will be implemented so that the invigoration of localities can chart a new course.

2017
Charting a new course for invigoration of localities◎Midpoint year for the Comprehensive
Strategy

2016
Full-force movement on invigoration of localities

2014

2015

◎Focus on “Local Abenomics”

Establish regional structures◎Flexible response to self-motivatedlocal initiatives◎Creating regional versions ofStart of invigoration of localities

comprehensive strategies◎Creating a comprehensive national strategy

・ Grants for Accelerating Invigoration

・ Pilot Grants for Invigorationof Localities (170.0 billion yen)of Localities (100.0 billion yen)・ Tax measures to strengthen regional
bases

・Locality Invigoration Promotion Grants(100.0 billion yen)・Locality Invigoration Base Establishment
Grants (90.0 billion yen)・Furusato (place of origin) tax payment scheme,
corporate version◎Invigoration of localities charts new
course through new measures toaccelerate existing efforts
・University reform that contributes toinvigoration of localities
・“Job” creation that utilizes local resources
・Utilizing idle assets such as vacant stores,
unused farmland, old Japanese-style houses, etc.
・Relocating government agencies to the regions
・Satellite offices for central government ministries
and agencies◎Main basic goals/KPI (2020 goals)
Creating “jobs”
・Number of employment opportunities
for youths (in the regions)
300,000 in five years
98,000 jobs created・Transforming agriculture, forestry andfisheries into “sixth” industry
Market size 10 trillion yen
4.7 trillion yen (2013)➡ 5.1 trillion yen (2014)

Changing the flow of people
・Balance population flow between
the regions and the Tokyo area
Net annual inflow to the Tokyo area

100,000 (2013)➡ 120,000 (2016)

Achieving dreams of marriage andrearing children
・Total fertility rate
1.43 (2013)➡ 1.44（2016）
・Women before/after birth of their first childContinued employment rate 55%
38.0%（2010）➡53.1%（2015）

Creating “city”
・Local managing organizations as“small bases”
Number of organizations created: 3,000
1,656organizations (2014)）➡ 3,071 organizations (2016)
・Number of municipalities creating“siting optimization plan”
150cities➡100 cities (March 31, 2016)
6

Main points of “City, People, and Work Basic Policy 2017”
Aim to “raise average income” in localities in order to extend Abenomics’ reach
Further promotion of“local Abenomics”

・Creating “jobs” utilizing local resources
・Utilizing vacant stores, unused farmland, Japanese-style houses, and other idle assets
・Promoting investment in “Local Economy Driver Projects” that open up the future for local areas
・Promoting social adoption of near-future technology, etc. and new lifestyle industries
・University reform that contributes to regional revitalization
・Promoting “Regional Revitalization Internships”
・City where people can be active throughout life (Japanese iteration of the “continuing care retirement

Correcting unilateralconcentration in Tokyo

community (CCRC)”)
・Promoting relocation of corporate headquarters to the regions
・Regional relocation of government organizations
・Consideration of satellite offices of central ministries and agencies
・Raising awareness of the attractiveness of life in the regions (revisiting lifestyles)

・Responding to medical and nursing care needs that are increasing as
Responding to issues in the Tokyo
area regarding medical and nursing the population ages
・Promoting a “local approach” for measures against low birthratecare and the low birthrate
Promotion of policies aimed atfurther invigoration of localities(policy package)

1. Create jobs in the regions so that people there can work with peace of mind
2. Generate new flow of people to the regions
3. Make dreams come true for the young regarding marriage, childbirth, and rearing children
4. Create regions that match the demands of the times, protect secure life, and connect localities
with each other

Actively support local governments that ambitiously embark on “Three Arrows: regional
revitalization version” and the “spirit of independence”
Arrow of Human Resource Support
Arrow of Information Support
Arrow of Fiscal Support
・Regional Economy and Society
Analyzing System (RESAS)

・Dispatching public servants,
etc. to municipalities
・Locality Invigoration College

・Locality Invigoration-Related Grant
・Furusato (place of origin) tax
payment scheme, corporate version

7

Activities for local revitalization that bring the state and regions together◎ Regional revitalization◎ National Strategic Special Zones◎ Urban regeneration◎ Local revitalization◎ Special Zones for Structural Reform◎Revitalization of city centers◎ Comprehensive Special Zones“FutureCity” Initiative◎Local revitalization
platforms◎FutureCity（11 cities, selected December 2011) (Cabinet Decision June 2010）◎Eco-Model City
◎Inscription of currently
operating industrial assets,etc. on the World
Heritage list

(23 cities, final selection March 2014)(Prime Minister’s policy speech January 2008, Headquarters decision March 2013)

Support measures
・Evaluation and publication of activities ・On-site support by experts
8

Ⅱ Activities and Outcomes of the “FutureCity” Initiative9

What is the “FutureCity” Initiative?
Image of the “FutureCity” Initiative
The “Future City” Initiative aims to create world-leading successful cases in order to resolve common 21st century challenges, such asenvironmental issues and aging populations, and to spread them not only within Japan but also around the world so that we can expand demand,create jobs, and strengthen our ability to resolve international challenges.
To this end, the Initiative creates space for implementation and focuses on the diversity and uniqueness of the individual cities and localities toencourage strengthening the local capacity to resolve issues. Through this, it creates a wide variety of urban and local models that develop
autonomously in response to global environmental issues and the structural issues that Japan faces, i.e. a declining population and hyper-aging,by using local resources to generate the thee values, i.e. environmental value, social value, and economic value.
By spreading such diverse successful cases in urban/community revitalization, we will promote regional revitalization and open the way
to the future of Japan.

International network

Human
resources
Goods

Concentrate

Technology

Hands-onprojects tocreate new
value

Money
Regulatory
reforms

Disseminate
Successful Cases

Socio-economic
system“FutureCity”
Cities where “everybody wants tolive” and “everyone has vitality”

etc...

Improve
Quality of Life

ServiceBusinessmodelsCity planning

etc...

Best Practices(domestic andoverseas)

Virtuous circle of financiallyautonomous models

10Background and significance of the “FutureCity” Initiative

The 21st century is the era of the city
In 2050, 70% of the population will live in cities

Creating sustainable cities isthe common issue of humankind

Issues that Japan faces ahead of the rest of the world✓Low birthrate and aging population
Population decline 130 million (2004) → 95 million (2050)
Rate of aging 23% (2009) → 40% (2050)✓Environmental and energy constraints
Serious energy constraints due to nuclear power accident
Global warming measures

Required efforts
・Achieving a new socioeconomic system revolving around the city
⇒ Revitalize local communities
・Tackling common issues of humankind before the rest of the world⇒ Contribute to the world
11

The image of cities that the “FutureCity” Initiative aspires toFutureCity and Eco-Model City
【FutureCity】○ City that creates new people-oriented value for addressing environmental and ultra-aging conditions【Eco-Model City】○ Low carbon cities that support the foundation of the “FutureCity” Initiative
Diverse community models to combine carbon reduction and sustainable development making maximum use of local resources○ 地域資源を最大限に活用し、低炭素化と持続的発展を両立する多様な地域モデル

Environmental value(low carbon, energy conservation, nature, etc.)“FutureCity”
Currently, 11 cities andregions

Social value(medical and nursing care, child rearing, education, etc.)
Economic value(creating employment, tourism, transforming agriculture,
forestry and fisheries into growth industries, etc.)
Low carbonization(renewable energies, forest management, using
local natural resources, etc.)

Support for creating pioneering
examples and for international
development

Stringent
selection

Eco-Model City
Currently, 23 cities

Promotion Council for the“FutureCity” Initiative

Indirect support for independent
efforts by the cities
Self-motivated activities by local
governments, etc. aspiring to become
FutureCities and Eco-Model Cities* Non-members of the Council may apply for Eco-Model City designation

12

Selected Cities and Regions【 Eco-Model City 】【Cities selected in FY2008】
１ Shimokawa
12 Obihiro(Hokkaido)(Hokkaido)

16 Kyoto
17 Sakai(Kyoto)(Osaka)【Cities selected in FY2013】【Cities selected in FY2012】
21 Niigata(Niigata)

28

Niseko (Hokkaido)

22 Tsukuba (Ibaragi)

29

Ikoma

23 Mitake30 Oguni(Gifu)

13 Chiyoda (Tokyo)

18 Yusuhara

3

5 Kita-Kyushu (Fukuoka)

24 Amagasaki

19 Minamata (Kumamoto)25 Kobe20 Miyakojima (Okinawa)

26 Nishiawakura (Okayama)

Yokohama (Kanagawa)14 Iida4(Nagano)Toyama15 Toyota(Toyama)(Aichi)(Kochi)１(Nara)

28

12(Kumamoto)(Hyogo)(Hyogo)27 Matsuyama (Ehime)

7
6
9【FutureCity 】
１

Shimokawa

2

Kashiwa3

Yokohama (Kanagawa)

4
5

8
10

(Chiba)4
22

Toyama (Toyama)
26

Kita-Kyushu (Fukuoka)

6

Kesen Koiki(Iwate)

7

Kamaishi(Iwate)8

Iwanuma(Miyagi)

9 Higashimatsushima (Miyagi)
10 Minamisoma (Fukushima)
11 Shinchi

11

21(Hokkaido)

25 24
17

16

23

14

13
3

2

15

29

27

5
30

18

19
20

(Fukushima)7Outcomes of the “FutureCity” Initiative
Outcomes of the FutureCity Initiative
Environmental issues

Response to hyper-aging

Locally unique themes

Creating environmental value■Low carbon, energy conservation■Water, atmosphere■Natural environment, biodiversity■The three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), etc.

Creating social value■ Health and medical care
■Nursing and welfare■Disaster prevention■Child rearing, education, etc.

Creating economic value■Creating employment and income ■Tourism■New industries■Industry-academia-government collaboration, etc.

Enhancing quality of life (QOL) for the public

Promoting invigoration of localities

14

Ⅲ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

15

What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Predecessor: Millennium Development Goals : MDGs
 Established by the United Nations in 2001. They integrated the United Nations Millennium Declaration that was adopted in2000 with the international development goals that were adopted at major international conferences during the 1990s.
 Eight goals with 2015 as the target year were set as development goals for developing countries.
([1] Poverty and hunger, [2] Primary education, [3] Women, [4] Children, [5] Pregnant women and nursing mothers,[6] Diseases, [7] Environment, [8] Partnership) MDGs have achieved some success. On the other hand, unachieved challenges remain.
〇Extreme poverty reduced by half (Goal [1]) and HIV/AIDS and malaria measures (Goal [6]), etc. were also achieved.
×Halving of mortality rates of children and pregnant women and nursing mothers (Goals [4],[5]) not achieved. Achievement is delayed in SubSaharan Africa etc.

 In 15 years, the international environment has changed significantly as new challenges have appeared.
・Increasing severity of environmental problems and climate change, expansion of inequality within and between nation-states,
expansion of the roles of private enterprises and NGO.

Sustainable Development Goals : SDGs
 Unanimously adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015.
(Adoption of 2030 Agenda)（２０３０アジェンダの採択）
 As development goals for the overall international community including developed countries, a comprehensive setof 17 goals with 2030 as the target year have been set. (Details: Next slide. The goals are further broken down into
169 targets.)
 Aiming to realize a society in which “no one is left behind,” (= reflects the principle of human security), integrated
initiatives will be taken to overcome a wide range of challenges in the economy, society, and the environment.
 Prioritizes roles of all concerned parties (developed countries, developing countries, private companies, NGOs,
experts, etc.)16Details of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)(1 Poverty)(7 Energy)(2 Hunger)(8 Growth and employment)(3 Health)(4 Education)(5 Gender)(6 Water and sanitation)(9 Innovation)(10 Inequality, etc.)(11 Cities)(12 Production and consumption)(13 Climate action) (14 Undersea resources) (15 Land resources)(16 Peace)(17 Implementation methods)

Logos: Prepared by the United Nations Information Centre

Examples of goals closely related to Japan’s own challenges → To implement, many Japanese ministries and agencies will be involved.

・Growth and employment ・Clean energy ・ Innovation ・ Recycling society (3R: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, etc.)
17・ Global warming measures ・ Conservation of biodiversity ・Women’s empowerment ・Eradication of child abuse ・International cooperation, etc.

17 goals of SDGs
Goal 1 (Poverty)

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Goal 2 (Hunger)

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture

Goal 3 (Health)Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages

Goal 4 (Education)

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Goal 5 (Gender)

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Goal 6 (Water and sanitation)

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Goal 7 (Energy)

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Goal 8(Economic growth and employment)

Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work
for all

Goal 9Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation(Industry, innovation and infrastructure)

Goal 10 (Inequalities)

Reduce inequality within and among countries

Goal 11 (Sustainable cities)

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Goal 12

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns(Sustainable production and consumption)

Goal 13 (Climate action)

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Goal 14 (Undersea resources)

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Goal 15 (Land resources)

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat
desertification and halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss

Goal 16 (Peace)

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all
and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Goal 17

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable
development
11(Implementation methods)

SDGs related trends in Japan(1) Proactive contribution to discussions and negotiations concerning SDGs
・ Even before discussions in international community began in earnest, Japan contributed proactively throughopportunities for dialogues, etc.


Policy dialogue held (2011 to 2013). Side events held at the U.N. General Assembly (in 2013, Prime Minister Abe and Minister Kishida attended), and others

・ In the process of SDGs negotiations, contributed proactively under the principle of human security.
And in the process of SDGs negotiations, contributed aggressively under the ideal of ensuring the safety of humankind.
Incorporated development challenges prioritized by Japan. (Quality infrastructure, health, women, education, disaster risk reduction, etc.)(September 2019: A United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development will be held.)(2)
Establishing the SDGs Promotion Headquarters and establishing its Implementation Guiding Principles

・ At the United Nations Summit where SDGs were adopted, Prime Minister Abe announced thatJapan would do its utmost to implement SDGs
・ To play leading roles in both domestic implementation and international cooperation, Japanestablished the SDGs Promotion Headquarters, and linked concerned ministries and agencies tobuild a system for integrated implementation by the government.
(The next meeting of the SDGs Promotion Headquarters will be held in December 2017.)

・ A Roundtable Committee consisting of a wide range of concerned parties (government, NGOs,
NPOs, experts, private sector, international organizations, various other groups, etc.) was
formed as a forum for participants to exchange views.
[Key events in the process](2016)
May 20Formation of the SDGs Promotion Headquarters chaired by the Prime Minister and composed of all
ministers. At its 1st meeting, the Prime Minister ordered establishment of “SDGs Implementation
Guiding Principles”
September and November: Roundtable Committee met
December 22 Second meeting of the SDGs Promotion Headquarters was held, decided on the Implementation
Guiding Principles(2017)
May 25
Roundtable Committee met. The participants exchanged views concerning announcements at the HighLevel Political Forum (HLPF) and the regional implementation of SDGs.
June 9The third meeting of the SDGs Promotion Headquarters is held. A decision is made toestablish the Japan SDGs Award to honor pioneering initiatives of corporations, groups, etc.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Implementation Guiding Principles（Ministry of Foreign Affaires of JAPANwebsite reference）

19

Outline of the SDGs Implementation Guiding Principles●Vision: Set out a vision for Japan to be the champion of sustainable and resilient society in which “no one is left behind.” Japanintends to be a leader in creating a better future, in which the three dimensions of sustainable development, namely, economic,
social, and environmental, are improved in an integrated manner.
●Implementation principles: [1] Universality, [2] Inclusiveness, [3] Participatory, [4] Integration, [5] Transparency andaccountability●Follow-up: First follow-up will be held by 2019.

【Eight priority issues in the “SDG Implementation Policy” and detailed measures】① Promote engagement of all people② Improve healthfulness and promote longer
lifespans■Realization of a society that engages all people ■Promote opportunities for women■Child poverty measures■Improve education■Promote autonomy for disabled persons and support participation in society■Drug resistance countermeasures ■Address aging societies in Asia
■Infectious disease countermeasures and health system reinforcement in developing
countries, address public hygiene crises③ Growth market creation, regional revitalization,④ Build a sustainable and robust nation andhigh-quality infrastructureand science and technology innovation■Create attractive markets ■Improve rural districts■Improve productivity ■Science and technology innovation■Sustainable cities⑤ Energy savings/renewable energy, climatechange measures, cyclical society■Adopt energy savings/renewable energy and promote international initiatives■Climate change measures ■Build a cyclical society⑦ Realize a peaceful, safe, and stable society■Promote countermeasures against organized crime, human slavery, and child abuse■Foster peace and support reconstruction■Promote rule of law■Promote national reinforcement and disaster prevention■Water resource development and water recycling initiatives■Promote high-quality infrastructure investments⑥ Preserve biological diversity and forests,
oceans, and other natural environments■Address environmental pollution ■Preserve biological diversity■Sustainable forests, oceans, and terrestrial resources⑧ Operations and methods for promoting
implementation of SDGs
■Multi-stakeholder partnership■Make SDGs a central component of international cooperation■Assist SDGs implementation capabilities in developing countries

20

Outline of Foreign Minister Kishida’s attendance at the United Nations High-Level
Political Forum (HLPF) for Sustainable Development (July 2017)
1.

Voluntary National Reviews(1) The Minister attended the Voluntary Reviews session of the HLPF, a ministerial-level
conference held every year under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social
Council (attended by 43 countries including Japan). He gave a presentation in English (In2019, a summit-level meeting).

Photographs / materials provided
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs JAPAN(2) In his presentation, the Minister drew attention to Japan’s initiatives taken to realize a diverse
and inclusive society in which “no one is left behind.” He also introduced the public-private
partnership promoted in Japan called Public Private Action for Partnership (PPAP), and at thesame time, announced that Japan prioritizes policies that focus on future generations. He
announced that by 2018, Japan would provide assistance of US$1 billion focused on
education, health and well-being, disaster risk reduction, and gender, with the focus onchildren and young people in particular.

2.

Side Event
A side event was held co-organized with the Governments of India, Thailand, and Malaysia and UNDP. Minister Kishidaattended the Ministerial Session with Foreign Minister Don of Thailand and Administrator Steiner of UNDP. Whilereferring to the initiatives of Japanese companies that participated in the side event (Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance
Inc. and Japan Food Ecology Center, Inc.), he emphasized the importance of partnerships across nations and of sharing
experience in Asia.

3.

Reception
A reception hosted by the Government of Japan was held, providing an opportunity
to further expand and strengthen public–private sector partnerships for sustainable
development with the participation of Piko Taro, Japanese companies and civilsociety.
→It was highly evaluated internationally. As an expert in this field Japan is
expected to continue to exercise leadership.
15

Examples of SDGs promotion in the business community
Charter of Corporate Behavior for SDGs

・ Principles on corporate ethics and CSR implemented voluntarily by companies
・ 1991: “Charter of Corporate Behavior” was established・ 1996: “Implementation Guidance” was created・ 2017: Charter to be revised to adapt to the SDGs, etc. (Nov.)
Fulfill social responsibility with a high sense of morality
Complying with laws
and respecting
international norms
Respecting human rights
Labor practices that respect
employee diversity
Labor environmentthat is safe and easy
to work in

Developing and providing
products and services thatare both useful and safe forsociety

Fair competition
and reasonabletransactions
Voluntary efforts
regardingenvironmental issues

Leadership from top
Establishing an effective internal structure

Healthy relationships
with government andadministration

Activities that
contribute to society

Cutting off connections with antisocial forces

Proper responses to any scandals
Communication withstakeholders

etc.

Contributions to development of economic society and creation of sustainable society
22
Source: Excerpted from Status of Keidanren’s efforts for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) (May 25, 2017).

Examples of SDGs promoted in educational and environmental fields●SDGs specified in the junior high school course curriculum guidelines(society vers.) (announced June 2017) (P. 151)
Based around the concept of “no one is left behind”, the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) were set based upon 17 goals and 169
targets related to the natural environment, finiteness of resources,
poverty, and innovation. There should be an understanding of theimportance of the role of international organizations, including theUnited Nations, which is promoting sustainable development efforts
based on each country’s national sovereignty.
●Ways of incorporating SDG concepts were specified in the Fifth Basic
Environment Plan interim report (released in August 2017) (P.12)
This reference is made in Chapter 2, “The ideal sustainable society, environmental
policy challenges based upon current situation, and fundamental concepts for
implementing environmental policies in the future.”
In order to realize SDGs, they must be directly connected to solving regional challenges.
While paying attention to individual regions and incorporating viewpoints from local
public groups, etc., it is necessary to make use of concepts related to SDGs to23
contribute to improving local planning.

IV Promoting Local Government SDGs for Invigoration of Localities

24Positioning of local governments in the 2030 Agenda and
SDG Implementation Guiding Principles
The 2030 Agenda was unanimously adopted during the September
2015 UN Summit.
Local governments are an invaluable core partner for implementing SDGs
 “When SDGs are implemented by governments and public organizations, close contact should
be made with local governments and organizations, international organizations, student
organizations, charity groups, volunteer groups, and other groups.” (Paragraph 45)
 Our journey to implement these efforts will involve governments, parliaments, UN systems,
international organizations, local governments, indigenous peoples, civil society, business andprivate sector, scientists and academic conferences, and all other people. (Paragraph 52)

SDGs Implementation Guiding Principles decided at the second
meeting of the SDGs Promotion Headquarters on December 22,
2016 (Excerpt from “V. Implementation framework”).
 Local governments and other local stakeholders are absolutely essential to the nationwide
implementation of SDGs-related measures. The national government will therefore
encourage local governments to incorporate the SDGs into their plans, strategies and policies asmuch as possible. Government ministries will support the efforts of local governments
through measures to promote partnership among various stakeholders in achieving the SDGs.
25

Discussion at the SDGs Promotion Headquarters (third meeting)relating to working with local governments(Excerpt from Prime Minister’s statement)“Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, are important efforts that all
countries, both developed and developing, are responsible for. Japan’s
standpoint is from that of providing security for people, and through ourleadership we plan to realize a society in which no one is left behind, andin which each and every individual can demonstrate their abilities.
Focusing on July’s UN report and September’s UN General Assembly
meeting, I will once again provide instructions regarding the following 3
points.
(Abridged)
Second is the promotion of SDGs in the regions. These are sure tocontribute to the invigoration of localities. I request that related cabinet
ministers work together to consider policies to promote regional efforts
to achieve SDGs, as well as implement these policies.
Held June 9, 2017 (at Prime Minister’s Office)Held June 9, 2017 (at Prime Minister’s Office)(Statement by Minister of State for Regional Revitalization Yamamoto)
In order to implement SDGs nationwide, the promotion of efforts made by local governments throughout thecountry in cooperation with local stakeholders will prove invaluable.
For this reason, further developing the “FutureCity” Initiative, the creation of policies aimed at having local
governments achieve SDGs, as well as the fully fledged promotion of these efforts, is sure to lead to theinvigoration of localities.
26

“Basic Policy for Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing
Local Economy 2017” Cabinet decision (June 9, 2017)
Overview
In order to promote the implementation of SDGs within Japan, fully fledged efforts by local public
groups, and stakeholders in these regions, as well as by private sector entities, will prove invaluable
for achieving SDGs. In addition to this, Japan aims to be a role model in relation to implementing
SDGs. We are currently making efforts within the country, as well as cooperating internationally, tomake sustainable development efforts. It is necessary to contribute to these efforts by drawing on
the advanced efforts of FutureCities and Eco-Model Cities. It is for this reason that in order tofurther develop the “FutureCity” Initiative, it will be necessary to consider the promotion of efforts
by local public groups towards achieving SDGs, and find an overall direction.

Specific Efforts◎ Implementation of promotion activities related to local public groups

・With the goal of finding successful examples both within Japan and abroad, and supporting the sharing of
knowledge and the creation of a network for this purpose, the International Forum on the “FutureCity” Initiative
will continue to be held with SDGs as a theme, aiming for the realization of independent and sustainable cities.
・In order to aim for the creation of more concepts related to SDGs, we will provide support to local public
groups to hold forums related to promoting understanding and creating awareness of SDGs.

◎Formation of model examples of local public groups achieving SDGs
・In order to promote efforts by local public groups that aim to achieve SDGs, we willconsider financial support for the formation of model efforts, and obtain a definite plan. At
that time we will also consider continuous follow-up support from experts with the aim offorming successful examples from other models, and obtain a definite plan regarding this too.
27

Expert Commission for the Promotion of SDGs
by Local Governments ①
Overview
Active regional initiatives are vital to implementing SDGs nationwide, and this creates strong
expectations for local governments.
In this context, methods used in initiatives to promote the FutureCity initiative and related results
offer valuable reference for promotion of SDGs by local governments.
The Japanese government formed the “experts study group on promotion of local government
SDGs” to prepare a basic approach to initiatives for realization of local government SDGs
targeting regional revitalization in light of FutureCity initiative results and offer
recommendations on policy direction.

Members (titles omitted, in order of Japanese syllabary)【Chairman】
Shuzo Murakami

Chairman of Institute for Building Environment and Energy Conservation【Members】
Hiroko Akiyama
Specially Appointed Professor, Aging Society Comprehensive Research Organization, The University of Tokyo
Yasushi Asami
Professor, Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
Norichika Kanie
Professor, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University
Hiroshi Komiyama Chairman, Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc.
Hideaki Shiroyama Professor, Graduate School of Public Policy / Graduate Schools of Law and Politics, The University of Tokyo
Sachiko Seki
Representative Director, Local First Laboratory
Kazuhiko Takemoto Director of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability
Akiko Nakajo
Operating Officer, Google Japan
Tsuyoshi Fujita
Specially Appointed Professor, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Head of National Institute for Environmental Studies Center for Social and Environmental Systems Research
28

Expert Commission for the Promotion of SDGs
by Local Governments
Schedule
No. 1
No. 2
No. 3
No. 4
No. 5

June 15 2017 Confirm commission goals, arrange points in question, etc.
July 7, 2017 Consider fundamental concepts (system, structure, etc.)
July 27, 2017 Concept interim compilation (discussion springboard)
Late Oct.
Concept interim compilation (proposed)
Late Nov.
Concept interim compilation (proposed)
No. 1 State of Commission

Index of compilation of opinions by members from first and second commission meetings
Ⅰ Introduction
Ⅱ About the “FutureCity” Initiative
1. “FutureCity” Initiative: Outcomes and Future Challenges
2. How these outcomes can be used for the promotion of SDGs by local governments
Ⅲ Significance of promoting SDGs by local governments for invigoration of localities:
1. What are the significance and merits for local governments of promoting SDGs?
2. From the perspective of citizens and other stakeholders, what is the expected role (strengths) of
local governments?
3. What items should local governments tackle in order to promote SDGs?
Ⅳ Role of the Government
1. From the perspective of the government, how should the expected roles of local governments bethought about?
2. What items (fundamental direction of policies) should the government tackle in order to promote
29
SDGs by local governments?

Significance of promoting local government SDGs
for invigoration of localities
Goals for locality invigoration
Overcoming population decline and reductions in local economies / Overcoming population decline
and vitalizing local economy, as well as the establishment of a virtuous cycle
Realizing sustainable city building and regional revitalization in order for people to live with peace of mind

Synergistic effects: Overall optimization of policy promotion/increased speed of resolving regional issues
Promotion of policies that integrate the three aspects of “economy,” “society,” and “environment”
Community
regeneration

declining birthrate,increasing elderly
population,

education

employment
measuresusing humanresources

Declining
population

environmental
measuresdisaster risk
reduction

Promotion of SDGs by local governments◆Visualization of regional issues◆Creation of systems✓Outfitting local governments with internal execution systems✓Further collaboration with stakeholders◆Deciding/revising plans of local governments✓Reflect components of SDGs in plans and establishinggovernance methods that manage progress◆Wide-reaching cooperation according to issue

Horizontal deployment of locality invigoration success models within Japan, and promotion outside of Japan30

SDGs promotion activities by local governments aimed at invigoration of localities(Office for Promotion of Regional Revitalization, Cabinet Office)FY2018 request for budgetary appropriations: ￥1.18 billion (within this ￥1.18 billion is being used for priority issues) (New)
Project Overview/Goals

Project Image/Specific Examples○The promotion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) bylocal governments will contribute to invigoration of localities.
It is important to promote efforts that aim to achieve thesegoals.
○For this reason, out of the local governments that havealready started implementing SDGs, funding will be provided
for advanced efforts which could be models for other areas,and successful examples will be produced.
○The spreading of these successful examples is sure to lead toeven further improvements in invigoration of localities.
○The “Basic Policy for Overcoming Population Decline andVitalizing Local Economy 2017”, decided by the Cabinet on
June 9, 2017 mentions that “In order to promote efforts by
local public groups that aim to achieve SDGs, we willconsider financial support for the formation of model efforts,
and obtain a definite plan.”
Flow of Funds
Fixed assistance amount(￥100 million/project)
CountryCountry

Commission fee

Prefecture/
Municipality*
Privatebusiness, etc.

○ Amongst the many varieties of projects being carried out by local
governments, advanced efforts that will contribute to achieving
any of the 17 goals, as well as other efforts that will become
models/examples will be supported.
For example, the following projects that involve a variety of
stakeholders during their planning stages will be supported.
①The creation of an energy management system for cities that use acombination of renewable energy and next generation vehicles②Advanced, comprehensive efforts designed to reduce food loss
③Technology support projects related to environmental issues indeveloping countries that are initiated by local governments inJapan○ Along with aiming to spread pioneering efforts by local
governments related to SDGs through international summits andwebsites, etc. as much as possible within Japan, the creation of aknowledge network with cities overseas.

Expected Effects
Through creating model examples to promote and share SDGs by local
governments, spread SDGs throughout the local governments’ work,
which will then lead to further invigoration of localities.

* “Invigoration of
Localities SDGs
Future City Model
Project (tentativename)” selected via
open recruitment

31

FutureCity promotion projects (Office for Promotion of Regional Revitalization, Cabinet Office)
FY 2018 Request for Budgetary Appropriation Amount ￥70 million（ FY 2017 Budget Amount ￥60 million）
Project Overview/Goals

Project Image/Specific Examples○ 「 The “FutureCity” Initiative has a limited number of
specified cities and regions that are selected as FutureCities.
They then create examples of success related to Super-aging
populations and the environment etc., which are then sharedoutside of these cities.
○ The Japan Revitalization Strategy (decided on by the
Cabinet on June 14, 2013) also contains a section stating“We will continuously and steadily promote policies such as
the FutureCities”.
○The project supports cities that were selected as Eco-Model
Cities/FutureCities, to promote the “FutureCity” Initiative. It
also aims to create an environment where the efforts of thesecities can be shared both inside and outside the country.

Country○In order to deploy and the efforts these Eco-Model Cities andFutureCities are making, an international network ofknowledge will be created through international meetings
and websites, etc.

Expected Effects

Flow of Funds
Commission fee○The progress of efforts by respective Eco-Model Cities andFutureCities will be objectively evaluated. To ensure these
efforts are realized as soon as possible, consulting and otheron-site support will be provided by experts. In order toprovide sources of reference for efforts, examples from bothwithin and outside of Japan will be analyzed, and information
provided to each city.

Municipality/Priva
te Business, etc.

○Trough creating unequaled examples of success for topics
related to solving worldwide issues concerning theenvironment and Super-aging populations, it is hoped therespective Eco-Model Cities/FutureCities will see increase indemand, job creation, and strengthening of their international
32
problem solving abilities.

V Conclusion

33

V Conclusion
１． Invigoration of localities aims to assist with low birthrates and aging
populations, aims to help reduce depopulation, and also has the aim of creating
environments which are easy to live in, and will help to maintain a society
filled with vitality in the future.
２． The efforts we are making towards the “FutureCity” Initiative aim to create
value amongst the 3 aspects of environment, society, and the economy,
Through this ,diverse cities will be realized, and regional models willbe created. These have also contributed to invigoration of localities.
３． The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at the UN two years ago
aim to promote comprehensive efforts amongst the 3 aspects of economy,society, and the environment, and concur with the fundamental concept of the“FutureCity.”
４． By further developing the “FutureCity” Initiative, adopting policies aimed atallowing local governments to achieve SDGs, and then proactively promoting
them, the sustainable city creation and regional vitalization that result from this34
will result in invigoration of localities.