Top > Foreign Policy > Environment > Johannesburg Summit 2002 The World Summit on Sustainable Development > Schedule and Correspondent's Reports of the Seminars in the Japan Pavilion (Ubuntu Village, Johannesburg) > Seminars in the Japan Pavilion (Ubuntu Village, Johannesburg)

Seminars in the Japan Pavilion
(Ubuntu Village, Johannesburg)

As of 21 August 2002

Banana Green-Gold Project - Paper from Banana wastes -

This project is about utilizing waste banana stems and leaves as new raw materials for papers and textiles. The project has already been launched in the Caribbean and Central America. If the project is adopted worldwide, it would contribute to reducing poverty and to preservation of forest. A considerable share of world paper production would be substituted with banana paper

Innovation from the Asia-Pacific toward Sustainable Development
- Initiatives on Science & Technology for Improved Environmental Policy -

This parallel event will be held at 12:45-14:45, 27th of August, 2002 at the Japan Pavilion in Ubuntu Village. It will be opened by Mr. Eiichi Yamashita, Senior Vice-Minister of the Environment of Japan, followed by a series of brief presentations of the Asia-Pacific initiatives on science and technology for improved environmental policy with a key phrase of "environmental policy innovation." The speakers will include experts from the National Institute for Environmental Studies, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, the Indian Institute for Management, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, the Asian Development Bank and the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research.

Biodiversity Conservation in the Asia-Pacific Region
- Towards new partnerships after the Johannesburg Summit -

The forum introduces not only Japan's New National Biodiversity Strategy but also relevant existing initiatives in the Asia-Pacific Region. Participants will exchange their views and seek new partnerships after the Johannesburg Summit in order to promote conservation activities in the region. The keynote speakers will be from Japan's Ministry of the Environment, the Secretariat of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), and BirdLife International.

Sustainable Forest Management In The Tropics: What It Will Take

Most people agree that tropical forests perform many vital functions at local, regional and global levels, but socio-economic realities mean that they are still being lost and degraded. This side-event at the World Summit on Sustainable Development is being organized by the International Tropical Timber Organization in collaboration with the Government of Japan, the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Government of Switzerland, the Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Sustainable Ecosystems International Corporation, and the Brazilian state of Acre's Technology Foundation (FUNTAC). It will provide examples of partnerships in the field between governments, non-governmental organizations and local communities to achieve sustainable forest management, sustainable development and the conservation of biological diversity. Moreover, it will illuminate the obstacles that must be overcome if sustainable forest management is to be a viable alternative to forest destruction in the tropics.

Japan's Strategies in the Area of Industrial Technologies for Sustainable Development

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and R&D institutes such as the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), are now trying to convert our society to a society with a system of complete circulation, and at the same time, solve global environmental problems through global warming policies and technology transfer in cooperation with the international industrial sector. Here in Johannesburg, we would like to exchange views and opinions with distinguished experts and authorities, and make an appeal towards the whole world regarding technological achievements and strategies through our combined efforts.

Japan's Challenge for the Implementation of the Kyoto Protocol

Japan, the chair country of COP3, ratified the Kyoto Protocol this June. In this seminar, a presentation concerning how Japan is making efforts to satisfy the Kyoto target regardless of its high energy-efficiency will be given. Furthermore, the post-Kyoto regime, which should be established based on all countries' participation, will be discussed.

APFED Recommendations and Commitments: A New Partnership Initiative for Knowledge Network and Capacity Building

While the last ten years witnessed significant efforts at all levels toward sustainable development, little progress has been observed. The knowledge - action gap is one of the most challenging factors in moving toward sustainable development. Capacity building is another essential component for realizing more equitable and sustainable development. The aim of the meeting is to introduce the initiative on these two issues, proposed by Asia-Pacific Forum for Environment and Development (APFED), to all who are interested in participating in the initiative, and to discuss future paths through multi-stakeholder dialogues. Confirmed speakers and commentators include: Mr. Ryutaro Hashimoto, APFED Chair, former Prime Minister, Japan; Dr. Klaus Töpfer, Executive Director, UNEP; Dr. Kim Hak-su, Executive Secretary, UN/ESCAP and Dr. Parvez Hassan, APFED Member, Former Chairman, IUCN Law Commission; Prof. Akio Morishima, Chair of Board of Directors, IGES.

Green Productivity Approach for Integrated Community Development and Poverty Alleviation

In an endeavour to find practical and attractive approaches to deal with both productivity and environmental protection for sustainable development, the Asian Productivity Organization has decided to tackle the issue with the concept of Green Productivity (GP). Taking off from the industrial sector, GP was subsequently integrated into community development in the demonstration projects in Vietnam. The focus of the seminar would be the application of productivity tools and techniques in tandem with the environmental protection for community development with an ultimate objective of poverty alleviation. The emphasis would be on sharing the success stories and experiences gained in implementing demonstration projects. The pilot program in Vietnam (1999-2002) shows that through the GP approach, poverty alleviation issues were widely addressed. With this success, Vietnam launched GP-ICD as a national movement. Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam and other senior officials from the Government of Vietnam would speak at this seminar.

Japan Day: Rediscovering Japan

(1) Pollution in Japan: The Battles, the Victories, and the Road Ahead

Introduces pollution problems Japan has experienced in the course of economic development, how the nation has overcome these problems and Japan's experience-based thoughts on the need for improvements in human living environment while simultaneously having economic growth and overall environmental conservation and protection.

(2) Water - People - Sustainability

Japanese financial and technological assistance for developing countries have contributed to establish governance and ownership with an aspect of sustainable development. Those Japanese efforts have been highly evaluated by associated stakeholders.
Japanese way of approach toward a solution of water issues has made a great contribution to build water management capacity as well as self-sustainable manner in developing countries. This session aims to address the Japanese challenges on water resource issues and to discuss on the prospects of Johannesburg and beyond.

(3) Sustainable Forestry Management

Explains the importance of sustainable forestry management and Japan's approach on the issue. Introduces the Project for Predicting Changes in Global Environment

(4) Exposition of Global Harmony: The 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan

Introduces Exposition of Global Harmony, which will be held in Aichi prefecture, Japan in 2005. Our goals are:

  • Pursuit of sustainable and harmonious coexistence for all life on earth with Nature's Wisdom.
  • Achieve mutual understanding and respect of diverse cultures and civilizations through global exchange, and create a Grand Intercultural Symphony.

(5) Virtual Globe Project

Information technologies, particularly those associated with the Internet, are making remarkable development. Yet, at the same time, a large number of developing countries are left without receiving the benefits of such progress. The panel discussion introduces the Virtual Globe Project, launched for supporting greater Internet access in developing countries. The project will help NGO disseminate information to the world and conduct grass-root activities.

(6) Technology: Japan's Experiences and Contributions

Introduces the new technology for global environmental issues and how Japan approaches on the issues

(7) Education for Sustainable Future

Education represents improvements in living standard and the foundation of democratic society. It also signifies an important long-term investment for peace and development. The panel discussion describes the nation's approach to "a decade of education for sustainable development", proposed by Japan and approved by the preparatory committee for the Johannesburg Summit.

Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy for Sustainable Development in Asia (JBIC Workshop)

With the recognition that economic growth is indispensable for poverty reduction and sustainable development, we will take up the issue of poverty and growth in Asia and discuss effective development assistance for hard and soft infrastructure for sustainable development.

TICAD Workshop - Contribution to African Development -

TICAD(Tokyo International Conference on African Development) is an initiative for African development launched in 1993 through the joint effort by the Government of Japan, the United Nations (UNDP, OSCAL) and the Global Coalition for Africa(GCA). The World Bank joined the TICAD co-organizers in 2000. The TICAD workshop will explain the TICAD process, its role, various follow-up activities and its contribution to African development, and also provide the opportunity for the stakeholders to exchange views on Africa's bright future.

NERICA: Hope for Food Security in Africa

NERICA (New Rice for Africa) has been developed through crossing African rice species -- resistant to disease and drought -- and Asian rice species - high yield potential, in the West Africa Rice Development Association with the assistance from Japan, UNDP and other organizations. Panel discussion of the side event will shed light on the high yielding outcome of NERICA in the severe African situation, with the presentations by farmers from Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea, followed by Q & A with experts on agricultural science and development. It will be followed by NERICA tasting lunch.

Symposium on "Sustainable Development and Governance in Africa"

With distinguished guests such as AU's Amara Essy, and Frene Ginwala from South Africa, the symposium will focus on approaches by African countries themselves and examine efforts through peer pressure to avoid changes of regime by unconstitutional means, and through Asia's experiences (South-South cooperation) in order to improve governance. Our purpose is to discuss concrete methods for the historical rehabilitation of Africa, seeking out an African-style of democracy rooted in local social and cultural values, and determining what kind of African-style governance is needed to establish true democratisation in Africa.

The Contributions of the Electricity Industry to Sustainable Development

EURELECTRIC (representing the European electricity industry), FEPC (Federation of Electric Power Companies, representing the Japanese electricity industry), and EEI (Edison Electric Institute, representing the American electricity industry) intend to launch a Joint Statement to WSSD on this event. From the point of view of the sustainable development, this Statement is focused on three main areas: People - the electricity industry committed to social responsibility; Planet - electricity as a clean and efficient supply of energy; Prosperity - making markets work and grow.

Global Transmission of "East Asian Development Approach"

This symposium elaborates on the features of the East Asian Development Approach from both policy-making and academic viewpoints, and aims at seeking for its applicability to other region, especially Africa. In the first session, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan will present the gist of Ministerial Meeting for the Initiative for Development in East Asia (IDEA) held on August 12th, participated by foreign and development ministers from ASEAN, Japan, People's Republic of China and Republic of Korea. ASEAN and African ministers will appear as commentators. In the latter session, a prominent Japanese professor will present Vietnam's PRSP (CPRGS), as one of the symbolic case of East Asian Development Approach. A commentator from Vietnam is expected to join.

Growth Driven by Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation
- The East Asian Experience in Economic Development and Cooperation -

The global aid community has become increasingly focused on poverty reduction as the only goal of development. However, development based on growth, trade and investment is equally, if not more, valid and should not be forgotten. One region that has achieved such development is East Asia, where vigorous private sector activities were supported by public sector cooperation. In this special panel discussion, the experience of Asian dynamism will be evaluated by distinguished panelists as an alternative model of development that may be emulated by countries outside East Asia. Confirmed speakers and panelists include: Kenichi Ohno, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) and Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI); Jeffrey Sachs, Earth Institute, Columbia University; Narongchai Akrasanee, former Thai Minister of Commerce; and Yoshihiko Sumi, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Multiple approach towards the Promotion of Trade and Investment

The promotion of trade and investment has great impact on economic development of developing economies, and such perception has been increasingly shared through various channels in recent years. In this event, we focus on the multiple approaches for the promotion of trade and investment, and are going to provide the opportunities of presentations with institutions taking different approaches respectively. The WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD will present on the multilateral approach, while the EU and Japan will focus on the bilateral or regional approaches, especially addressing the issue of WTO-related capacity building. Finally, the local businesses from South Africa and JETRO will present their efforts in the private sector.

Earth Observation for Sustainable Development

In the side-event "Sharing our Earth View", we present our vision and proposals in relation to the role of satellite Earth observation data and joint observation and research of global environmental change, with the following topics:
Sharing the Water View: Joint observation and research of water resources and water cycle;
Sharing the Atmosphere View: Role of satellite data for global climate change research;
Sharing the Land View: In 2004, Japan will launch the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) for mapping, land use observation, disaster monitoring;
Sharing the Future View: Japan's Frontier Research System for Global Change (FRSGC) and Earth Simulator initiatives.

Uniqueness of JICA's Technical Cooperation: South-South Cooperation

Supporting developing countries to extend assistance to other developing countries (support to South-South Cooperation) has many advantages. It is for the benefit of the world that donor countries establish partnership and undertake joint projects with developing countries. In this workshop, we will introduce cases of such partnership activities to be presented by partners from developing countries and to provide workshop participants with opportunities to discuss future direction of South-South Cooperation.

Energy literacy Initiative: Learn Together!

Sustainable development is only possible in a world where all the people have a common understanding on the appropriate use of energy and the importance of energy conservation, energy efficiency and harmony with environment.
This side event will introduce you to the world of energy education through such demonstration as simulation of a class in energy at school. With active participation from some of our partners, we hope to have discussion on how to globally promote energy education and improve energy literacy throughout the world.

Global Mapping Partnership -Sustainable Development and Geographic Information-

Global Mapping is a registered Type 2 initiative to develop Global Map (digital geographic information with unified specifications) for whole terrestrial area by 2007 with the aim of contributing to sustainable development. The speakers of the symposium will highlight: the importance of enhancing international partnership; Global Mapping in African context; usability of Global Map data; earth observation satellites for Global Mapping; and collaboration between Global Mapping and relevant international geographic information/spatial data initiatives such as Geographic Information for Sustainable Development (GISD).

<Other seminars>
Capacity Development based on Ownership and Partnership
(30 August, 10:30, Conference Center, Ubuntu Village)

JICA is confident that our technical cooperation which gives special attention to capacity development with respect to ownership through institutional twinning function effectively to develop human and institutional capacity of partner countries. In this workshop, with participation from some of our partners from developing countries, we would like to discuss about what is the most effective practice for technical cooperation through introduction of such cases in education, health and environmental sectors.

Government-NGO Meeting Point for Global Health
(30 August- 1 September, Japan's Room in Tensile 1, Ubuntu Village)

Government-NGO Meeting Point for Global Health provides the best opportunity for deepening your understanding on Japan's ODA to NGO activities in the area of HIV/AIDS and other health issues. It also offers all interested NGO members the opportunities to exchange views and share experiences with Japanese and other NGOs. Japanese Government officials will explain you Japan's recently redressed ODA schemes for NGO support. Once step inside, and you might find future partnerships with a support from Japan! Located in the Japan Room.

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