Speech by Mr. Ryuji Yamane
Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
The Tenth Informal Meeting on Further Actions against Climate Change

March 1, 2012

Japanese

His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Hamad A. Al-Attiyah, President of Administration Control and Transparency Authority of Qatar,
Honorable ministers, ambassadors, distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ryuji Yamane.

I would like to extend my warmest welcome to you all who are present here to attend the Tenth Informal Meeting on Further Actions against Climate Change.

This meeting has been co-chaired by Brazil and Japan in March of every year as the first meeting in the annual climate change negotiation. This year marks the 10th anniversary. We celebrate its tenth meeting. This year is also critical juncture of the 20 anniversary since the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted at the Earth summit at Rio de Janeiro. Brazil will be a host to Rio+20 conference in June.

At this meeting, I expect active exchange of views to share the schedule of negotiation and the issues to be addressed this year toward COP18 at the end of this year.

Almost one year has passed since the East Japan Great Earthquake on March 11 last year. Japan has worked hard to achieve reconstruction with the support from the international community. On behalf of the Japanese Government and people of Japan, I would like to reiterate my sincere gratitude to the warm supports and encouraging words from you all. At the same time, despite the most severe natural disaster ever, as I should not hesitate to repeat that Japan is absolutely committed to continuing to earnestly work on climate change, which is an extremely grave issue facing humanity.

Last year, we achieved historic outcomes in Durban, thanks to the effort of South Africa, who played an important role as COP President and to the collective political will of participating countries. However, much more needs to be done to solve the climate change issue. We must aim at further progress based on the outcome of Durban.

As for the "Durban Platform", we must build solid foundation for discussion on future framework this year and put the new Ad Hoc working group on track. We should also discuss creatively and flexibly a new framework beyond 2020, from viewpoints such as what could be the fair and effective framework which would lead to genuine global interests, and what kind of framework it should be as it will be applicable to all Parties.

In order to move on to the new phase, it is important to finish the work of the existing working groups at COP18 in Doha. In addition, we must continue to make steady progress in building up the mechanism to support developing countries including the establishment of the Green Climate Fund.

Toward COP18, it is critical to advance our work while keeping the political will gathered in Durban. Japan is determined to participate actively in it.

Since climate change is an ongoing issue, we need to promote practical cooperation as we discuss a future framework. At COP17, we proposed "Japan's Vision toward Low-Carbon Growth a Climate Resilient World", which aims at achieving low-carbon growth all over the world with the united efforts of public and private stakeholders by fully mobilizing technology, market and finance with cooperation between developed and developing countries.

As part of concrete efforts based on this vision, Japan is promoting the regional cooperation by advocating "East Asia Low- Carbon Growth Partnership" and formulating "Africa Green Growth Strategy"

Going forward, for the purpose of bringing genuine solution to the climate change issue through the realization of low-carbon growth all over the world, Japan will continue to serve globally by sharing its technology, knowledge and experience.

Let me conclude my speech hoping that this Japan-Brazil informal dialogue contributes significantly to the climate negotiations as a kick-off of the discussion toward COP18. Thank you very much for your kind attention.