Press Releases
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs IKUINA Akiko’s statement at the “Sagarmatha Sambaad”
May 16, 2025
On May 16, Ms. IKUINA Akiko, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, delivered a statement at the “Sagarmatha Sambaad” organized by the Nepalese government. The overview of the statement is as follows.
- At the outset, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina referred to the recognition that climate change is a security issue that affects the very existence of humankind, which is mentioned in Japan's National Security Strategy adopted in 2022, and stated that this recognition is shared by many other countries, and that it is essential to bring together the wisdom and efforts of the international community to work together to solve this issue.
- Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina stated that the international community today is facing changes that will define the era, and that the question is how to overcome the “compound crises” such as the deepening divisions within the international community, the worsening of global issues likeclimate change, and economic slowdown and widening economic disparities in many countries. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina stated that Japan is committed to working with all stakeholders to overcome these challenges.
- In addition, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina stated that Japan will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will provide support that leverages its strengths in both mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation efforts to avoid and reduce the damage caused by climate change while responding in a tailored manner to the challenges faced by each country.
- In addition, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina introduced three approaches of Japan's assistance: addressing development issues based on human security, which will also provide “co-benefit” assistance that will contribute to climate change measures; utilizing Japan’s technologies and knowledge, and promoting innovation; and collaboration with various stakeholders. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina also mentioned Japan's efforts in the forest conservation and strengthening flood control measures.
- In closing, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina stated that in order to overcome this compound crises, Japan will continue to contribute to global decarbonization by providing tailored support to countries facing challenges, by using Japan’s experience and technology and the promotion of private investment.
(Reference)
Statement by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs IKUINA Akiko (English (PDF) 
/ Japanese (PDF))
/ Japanese (PDF))