2023.12.5 Tue.

10:30 - 11:45

Tech for Transition

Organizer

Ministry of Economy, Trande and Industry

Co-organizer

Government of UAE (COP28 Presidency)

Seminar abstract

Abstract

The aim is to reach a common understanding among major countries, especially with the G7 and COP Presidency, on the idea that (i) not only stronger regulations and more ambition, but also (ii) "practical technologies and innovations" are important in order to fill the gaps would be identified in the GST. In addition to introducing start-up technologies and holding an MOU signing ceremony, the session will discuss Japanese technologies that contribute to mitigation and adaptation in the world as a whole, including the Global South, and how rules should be formed for their development and diffusion.

Program

Opening Remarks -5 min-

YOSHIDA Nobuhiro Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry

Technology X Rulemaking for mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity -14 min-

• ICHIKAWA Akira Chairman of the Board, Sumitomo Forestry
• KUSUMI Yuki President&CEO, Panasonic

Panel Discussion -25 min-

• ICHIKAWA Akira Chairman of the Board, Sumitomo Forestry
• KUSUMI Yuki President&CEO, Panasonic
• Masaki Takao CEO JEPLAN
• Peter Bakker WBCSD President&CEO

Keynote speech from international organizations -20 min-

• Roland Roesch IRENA Acting Director, Innovation and Technology
• Tiffany Vass IEA Energy Analyst, Technology Innovation Unit

Japan X UAE -10 min-

Saood Al Noori　COP28, UAE　Head of Diplomatic Engagement-Asian Affairs

Speakers

In-person

• YOSHIDA Nobuhiro / Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
• Akira Ichikawa / Sumitomo Forestry Chairman of the Board and Representative Director
• Yuki Kusumi / Panasonic Holdings President&CEO
• Peter Bakker / WBCSD President&CEO
• Masaki Takao / CEO, JEPLAN
• Roland Roesch / IRENA Acting Director, Innovation and Technology
• Tiffany Vass / IEA Energy Analyst, Technology Innovation Unit
• Saood Al Noori / COP28, UAE Head of Diplomatic Engagement-Asian Affairs

Session Summary

At the "Tech for Transition" event, which focused on the transition to a net-zero society through technology, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Yoshida gave an opening speech in which he presented the vision for simultaneous realisation of emission reductions, economic growth and energy security, as well as the various pathways towards the common goal of net-zero. He also spoke about Japan's contribution to the global net-zero goal through various decarbonisation solutions based on its knowledge and technologies.
Next, Sumitomo Forestry and Panasonic, two leading global Japanese companies, presented the importance of visualising their contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation through technology and the importance of rulemaking. ICHIKAWA Akira, Chairman of Sumitomo Forestry, presented the importance of Nature-based Solutions, a contribution to mitigation through peatland management in tropical regions using AI-based remote sensing technology. KUSUMI Yuki, CEO of the Panasonic Group, emphasised the importance of creating a positive impact on society's energy transition through business activities and the importance of avoided emissions in properly assessing such impacts.
WBCSD President Peter Bakker moderated a lively panel discussion with three panelists: ICHIKAWA Akira, Chairman of Sumitomo Forestry, KUSUMI Yuki, CEO of Panasonic and TAKAO Masaki, CEO of JEPLAN, a chemical recycling start-up. They discussed the importance of reducing emissions by spreading their products and technologies around the world, contributing to a circular economy by involving consumers in recycling, and the importance of an impactful image in changing consumer behaviour towards new technologies.
IRENA and IEA, international organisations, presented their reports published under the Japanese G7 presidency, which showed that there are different ways to decarbonise the energy sector and that it is important to work towards net zero emissions using a variety of methods that are advantageous for each country.
Finally, an MOU between Japanese-UAE startup companies (JEPLAN, Rebound and TAZI'Z) was presented, indicating cooperation between the two countries in the field of decarbonisation technologies. Saood Al Noori of the UAE's COP28 Presidency also delivered remarks, highlighting the importance of collaboration and open dialogue for innovation and a sustainable future.