Japan's Security / Peace & Stability of the International Community

December 4, 2025
Japanese
Ambassador Endo Kazuya delivering a speech at the IAEA International High-Level Forum on NUTEC Plastics
  1. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International High-Level Forum on NUTEC Plastics was held in Manila, Philippines from November 25 to 26, and H.E. Mr. ENDO Kazuya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines, attended and delivered a speech at the Ministerial Segment on November 25. The summary of the speech is as follows (full text of the speech: English (PDF) Open a New Window, Japanese (PDF) Open a New Window):
    1. To solve the problem of marine plastic pollution, one of the most critical environmental issues, it is essential to establish scientific knowledge, harmonize monitoring methods, effectively recycle and reuse resources, and build an effective international framework.
    2. Japan attaches great importance on nuclear science and technology that contributes to resolving global challenges, including achieving of the SDGs, and thus has enhanced international cooperation in this regard. In particular, Japan highly commends the NUTEC Plastics initiative and has so far contributed approximately 1.3 million euros to the IAEA. Japan contributes to both upstream and downstream aspects by supporting the development of irradiation-based plastic recycling technologies, and the provision of equipment and human resource development for marine environmental monitoring related to plastic pollution.
    3. Japan has also taken a leadership role in broader international cooperation efforts towards marine plastic issues, advocating for the "Osaka Blue Ocean Vision" and actively participating in the ongoing negotiations for the Global Plastic Treaty. Japan intends to actively contribute to discussions, aiming for an early conclusion of negotiations.
    4. Japan has been engaged in international cooperation initiatives, aiming to establish a scientific foundation for addressing plastic pollution and harmonizing monitoring methods as well as developing enhanced data management system. As a result, Japan released the "Atlas of Ocean Microplastics,” commonly known as AOMI". Japan has been also providing a training program for monitoring of plastic in the environment targeting ASEAN countries.
    5. Japan will work towards a sustainable solution to this critical issue in close cooperation with the IAEA as well as its partner organizations, while making best use of our expertise in recycling and nuclear science and technology.
  2. The forum was attended by H.E. Dr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General from the IAEA, and H. E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President, Hon. Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary for Foreign Affairs as well as Hon. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Secretary of Science and Technology from the Republic of the Philippines. Additionally, Mr. KANDA Masato, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), also participated.

(Reference1) NUTEC Plastics

“NUTEC Plastics” is one of the IAEA initiatives aimed at applying and utilizing nuclear science and technology to marine plastic issues. Projects under this initiative focuse on tracing marine plastics and assessing their impact on marine organisms through isotope techniques and establishing recycling technologies through radiation irradiation, as well as building capabilities in these fields among IAEA member states.

(Reference2)

Website related on IAEA International High-Level Forum on NUTEC Plastics

Related Links

Back to Japan's Security / Peace & Stability of the International Community