Environment
Hosting of a Welcome Reception by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ikuina for the "Global Environmental Action (GEA) International Conference 2026"
On October 15, Ms. IKUINA Akiko, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, hosted a welcome reception at the Iikura Guest House for the participants of the "Global Environmental Action (GEA) International Conference 2026." The overview of the reception is as follows:
- In her welcoming remarks, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina stated that Green Transformation (GX), the theme of this year's conference, is an urgent global imperative to simultaneously achieve stable energy supply, economic growth, and decarbonization.
- She further stated that, amid an increasingly complex international situation, including energy security, and the rising risks of climate change, such as natural disasters and severe heatwaves in Europe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to advance its efforts toward addressing these challenges through growth investment driven by Green Transformation.
- The reception was attended by Mr. TAKAGI Kei, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Peter Bakker, President & CEO of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), as well as prominent figures from political, business, and academic circles both from Japan and abroad.
(Reference) Global Environmental Action (GEA)
GEA is an NGO established with the aim of contributing to the resolution of global environmental issues and sustainable development.
It was established in 1991, ahead of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, the "Earth Summit"), initiated by three key figures: former Prime Minister TAKESHITA Noboru, former Prime Minister KAIFU Toshiki, and former Chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) HIRAIWA Gaishi. The first President was former Prime Minister TAKESHITA Noboru, the second was former Prime Minister KAIFU Toshiki, the third was former Keidanren Honorary Chairman HIRAIWA Gaishi, the fourth was former President of the House of Councillors SAITO Juro, and the fifth (current) President is former Minister of State for Special Missions YAMAGUCHI Shunichi.
The GEA International Conference is held in Tokyo every two years, providing a platform for representatives from political, business, and academic fields to discuss global environmental issues. This year, the conference is held from October 15 to 16 under the theme of "Contributing to the Global Environment through Growth Investment in Green Transformation: Strategically Advancing Integrated Approaches for a Sustainable Future."
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress graced the opening ceremony held on October 15 with their presence, which was also attended by Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae (Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina attended from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).