2023.12.8 Fri.

14:45 - 16:00

Climate-Biodiversity-SDGs Synergistic actions in Asia-Pacific

Organizer

Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)

Co-organizer

Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ)

Seminar abstract

Abstract

and a pivotal publication, "The First Global Report on Climate and SDG Synergies," was unveiled in September, coinciding with the SDG Summit. The report emphasized the imperative to accumulate tangible examples that exemplify synergistic approaches and to develop specific methodologies for implementing these synergies within policy frameworks. To accelerate these essential activities, the Japanese government is planning to present a Resolution titled "Promoting Synergistic Approaches to Address the Triple Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution and Support Sustainable Development" at the 6th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), scheduled in Nairobi at the end of February next year. In addition, Japan intends to convene the Expert Group in Japan next March for further discussions. Furthermore, a parallel effort is underway to develop a similar report tailored to the Asia-Pacific Region. This seminar, hosted at the Japan Pavilion, serves as a platform for expanding partnerships with like-minded nations and international organizations. The main focus of this gathering is to engage in substantive dialogues about policy measures that can be implemented to realize synergies and promote climate action, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development at the same time, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. Through this seminar, we aim to enhance our collective efforts in addressing global environmental challenges.

Program

Remarks

Junichi Fujino (Moderator) Principal Reseacher, IGES

Key-note

Kazuhiko Takeuchi President, IGES

Showcase 1

Bahareh Seyadi Senior Sustainable Development Officer, UN DESA

Showcase 2

(TBC) International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)

Showcase 3

(TBC) IPCC/IPBES/IRP

Showcase 4

(TBC) UNFCCC Secretariat, UNEP ROAP, Asia Development Bank (ADB), and Japan Business Federation

High-Level Remark

Yutaka Matsuzawa Vice Minister for Global Environmental Affairs, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

High-Level Remark

(TBC) Ministers of the Asia Pacific Region and G7

Closing Remarks

(TBC)

Speakers

In-person

• Kazuhiko Takeuchi / President, IGES
• Izabella Teixeira / International Resource Panel Co-Chair
• Bahareh Seyedi / Senior Sustainable Development Officer, UN DESA
• James Grabert / UNFCCC Secretariat Director of Mitigation
• Jessica Troni / UNEP Climate Change Adaptation Unit Chief
• Sandeep Sengupta / IUCN International Policy Centre Global Policy Lead for Climate Change
• Amenatave V. Yauvoli / Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Fiji to the Republic of Indonesia; High Commissioner to Singapore; High Commissioner to Malaysia; Permanent Representative to UNESCAP in Bangkok
• Yutaka Matsuzawa / Vice Minister for Global Environmental Affairs, Ministry of the Environment, Japan
• Junichi Fujino / Principal Reseacher, IGES

Related Links

• IGES Event Web Page (Archived video to be uploaded)

Session Summary

In the keynote address, Mr. Takeuchi emphasized the essential role of a synergistic approach that integrates intergovernmental negotiations on SDGs, the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, plastic pollution, and others for a sustainable future. He highlighted the need to utilize scientific knowledge to enhance synergy, referencing Japan's Circular and Ecological Economy and Decarbonization Leading Areas. In the subsequent special lecture, Ms. Teixeira shared scientific insights on resource efficiency and circularity from GRO2024, to be launched at UNEA-6. Emphasizing the necessity for innovation in the efficient utilization of natural resources and the importance of progressing development while maintaining fairness and competitiveness, she underscored the role of synergy.
During the showcase presentations, Ms. Seyedi outlined the various benefits derived from the synergy between climate change and SDGs. She urged maximizing the related global milestones in 2024, such as the HLPF review of SDG Goal 13, to enhance the momentum for synergy. Mr. Grabert highlighted that the key to addressing climate change lies in SDGs, and expanding the scope to biodiversity and resources to promote synergy. Ms. Troni highlighted the interconnectedness of the triple planetary crisis through UNEP's project examples, stressing the need to implement adaptation measures based on this understanding. Mr. Sengupta underscored the necessity of avoiding sectoral overlaps in policy formulation, advocating for stakeholder collaboration to efficiently achieve the best outcomes.
In the High-Level Segment, Ambassador Yauvoli, from the perspective of Pacific Island nations, pointed out the deteriorating triple crisis due to a lack of synergy. He expressed gratitude and support for Japan's leadership in synergy. Mr. Matsuzawa noted the growing international recognition of the importance of synergy, citing agreements on synergy in the G7 Communiqué under the Japanese Presidency. He expressed determination to collaborate with international organizations to maximize synergy and concluded the session.

Message and Results

• Ms. Teixeira, Co-Chair of the IRP, an expert panel on resource efficiency, delivered a speech, highlighting the significance of synergy initiatives and explicitly expressing a commitment to future cooperation.
• Ambassador Yauvoli of Fiji addressed the audience, announcing strong support for the resolution on synergy at UNEA-6, scheduled for late February 2024. He specifically stated that efforts would be made to encourage support for synergy initiatives, especially among island nations.
• MOEJ declared a strong commitment to synergy initiatives, and support for the active engagement in addressing it was also expressed by UNFCCC, UNDESA, UNEP, IUCN, and IGES.