Press Releases

1. On September 2nd, Prof. MATSUMOTO Yoichiro, Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, presented the recommendation “Planetary health: STI for food systems transformation” to Mr. WASHIO Eiichiro, State Minister for Foreign Affairs. This recommendation was prepared by the Advisory Board for Promoting Science and Technology Diplomacy, which was led by Prof. MATSUMOTO and Prof. KANO Mitsunobu, Science and Technology Co-Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, towards the UN Food Systems Summit and the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit planned to be held in September and December respectively.
2. Following the introductory remarks, Prof. KANO, who joined online, explained the main points of the recommendations, and then Prof. MATSUMOTO reported the recent activities of the Science and Technology Advisors and explained possible activities in the near future.
3. Mr. WASHIO thanked Prof. MATSUMOTO and Prof. KANO for their vigorous activities, and expressed his gratitude towards the recommendation presented by the Advisory Board. Then, he put forward his determination to further promote Japan’s science and technology diplomacy, counting on the Advisors’ and the Board’s work, especially on strengthening the strategic cooperation and joint PR activities among government S&T advisors and on enhancing Japanese scientific and technological abilities through collaborative efforts between the relevant ministries and agencies.

[Reference] Outline of the recommendations

The Advisory Board suggests that the Government of Japan should (1) Compile a showcase that presents the strengths of Japan's STI; (2) Lead the global efforts to promote the active utilization of STI by creating and making use of an STI showcase and a matching fund, through interactive dialogues with relevant stakeholders and in collaboration with international organizations; and (3) Actively support countries and regions making development plans and policies by utilizing the showcased STI, collaboration across sectors, and interdisciplinary human resource development; in order to take the next steps in tackling hunger and malnutrition and transforming food systems, through promoting the global utilization of STI.

The above-mentioned points were presented as the “STEP Initiative by STI” (Systems Transformation to Ensure Planetary health).

Also, the Advisory Board compiled an STI showcase with some examples of Japan’s STI.

• Summary of the Recommendations (PDF)
• The Advisory Board for Promoting Science and Technology Diplomacy (PDF)