Press Releases
Opening Message from Foreign Minister MOTEGI for the “World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026” Event At the United Nations Headquarters in New York With the Participation of High School Students from Iwate Prefecture
On November 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan co-organized an event for “World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026” with the Permanent Missions of Chile, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, among, as well as other related international organizations. On behalf of the Government of Japan, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered an opening video message at the event. Three high school students from Iwate Prefecture also participated in the event and shared their experiences.
- Minister MOTEGI noted that disaster risk reduction efforts to protect human lives and international cooperation are indispensable in the face of multiple crises, including climate change and the increasing frequency of disasters. He then mentioned the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, scheduled to be held in Sendai City in October 2027, and expressed his determination to share Japan’s experience and technology with the world and contribute to discussions in the international community.
- In addition, Minister MOTEGI emphasized that young people of the next generation hold the key to carrying disaster risk reduction efforts forward into the future. He also expressed his hope that through this event, various countries would work hand in hand to build a more resilient world.
- The three high school students from Iwate,who served as Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons at the High School Students Summit on “World Tsunami Awareness Day” 2026 in Iwate, held from October 20 to 22, took this opportunity to deliver speeches reflecting on what they had learned at the summit. They also spoke about disaster risk reduction actions they would take as members of the next generation and their determination to put them into practice.
(Reference1) “World Tsunami Awareness Day”
In December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution, co-sponsored by 142 countries (including Japan), to designate November 5 as “World Tsunami Awareness Day” in order to raise awareness of and promote countermeasures against tsunami risks.
(Reference2) High School Students Summit on “World Tsunami Awareness Day”
The summit has been held since 2016 as a platform for high school students around the globe to learn about the threat of tsunamis and other disasters as well as their disaster risk reduction. This year, the eighth summit will be held in Iwate Prefecture from October 20 to 22.
(Reference3) Attachment
Minister MOTEGI’s message (Japanese (PDF) 
/ English (PDF) )