UNEP Executive Director Visits Tokyo for UNEP-Japan Policy Dialogue

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UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner, speaking to the GEA Conference in Japan

 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner wrapped up a successful visit to Japan today, where he had an audience with Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, met Environment Minister Tamayo Marukawa, spoke with senior Japanese officials on continued UNEP-Japan collaboration, and delivered a keynote speech at the Global Environmental Action (GEA) Conference, a symposium attended by the Crown Prince and Princess, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Speaking at the GEA Conference, Executive Director Steiner said, "Japan's experience highlights why policy and technology can be a powerful force for change. Over the years, places like Kyoto, Aichi and Nagoya, have become synonymous with the ambition necessary for environmental progress. As climate change demands that we reinvent our economy, our technology and even our sense of responsibility, what better place than Tokyo to gather our thoughts ahead of COP 21."

In discussions with Minister Marukawa, and during high-level policy talks with senior representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Steiner conveyed appreciation for Japan's continued technical and financial support to UNEP's programme of work. Mr. Steiner outlined UNEP's role in the 2030 Agenda and spoke to the need for a concrete and ambitious agreement in Paris on climate change. The Executive Director expressed the hope that UNEP and Japan would further build their partnership around mutual priorities such as chemicals and waste, sustainable consumption and production, and support for post-disaster rebuilding efforts in Asian countries.