Climate Change
Ambassador Hideo Suzuki attends the press conference for establishment of Japan Climate Initiative
On 6 July, Ambassador Hideo Suzuki, Assistant Minister for Global Issues/Director-General for Global Issues attended the press conference for establishment regarding the launch of Japan Climate Initiative. Japan Climate Initiative is a network of non-state actors such as companies, local governments and NGOs aiming to realize a decarbonized society, and 105 members joined in this network at its establishment. Ambassador Suzuki made the following remarks, highlighting the importance of partnerships between governments and wide-ranging stakeholders in advancing the goals of the Paris Agreement.
I would like to congratulate the establishment of JCI. It is a feature of the Paris Agreement that not only governments but respective non-state actors, such as companies, citizens, and local governments take responsibility in addressing climate change. As the action taken by non-state actors in the field of climate change is becoming more dynamic, I believe that JCI's activity will lead to showing the leadership of Japan to the world in broader way.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) set up an experts meeting on climate change after COP 23 and received recommendations on climate and energy diplomacy from the meeting. MOFA is determined to place more importance on climate change diplomacy and to relate climate change to wide range of diplomatic topics. In this regard, MOFA designated Climate change experts in many of the embassies and consulates and established "Climate Diplomacy Task Force", in order to strengthen climate change related cross-sectoral approach within the ministry. Under such circumstances, I believe JCI is an ensuring and powerful partner for MOFA.
As you may know, Japan takes G20 presidency in next year. Climate change will definitely be an important agenda for G20 and active discussion is highly likely to take place. As MOFA is the ministry responsible for the implementation of the Paris Agreement, we hope to cooperate with JCI in realizing the goal of the Paris Agreement and promoting SDGs.