Tokyo, 5 October 2022 (TDI): Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), paid a visit to Hayashi Yoshimasa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan on Tuesday.
Minister Hayashi welcomed the courtesy visit and congratulated UNEP on its 50th anniversary of founding.
Foreign Minister Hayashi also expressed his best wishes on the the30th anniversary of the UNEP International Environmental Technology Center (IETC).
The Foreign Minister recognized UNEP as the UN organ specializing in global environmental issues and praised its extensive work on the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and chemical substances and pollution.
In response, Executive Director Andersen expressed her gratitude for the cooperation with Japan and explained the work of UNEP and IETC in addressing global issues.
Minister Hayashi indicated that Japan aims to start talks on a globally enforceable instrument to combat plastic pollution in November, working closely with UNEP and the IETC, as two allies fighting against environmental problems.
Executive Director Andersen responded that she was interested in enhancing bilateral cooperation with Japan.
Andersen also attended a celebration honoring the IETC’s 30th anniversary while she was in Japan.
Climate change
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the international agency that defines the environmental objectives, fosters the essence of the environmentally sustainable development dimension within the United Nations system, and acts as a credible proponent for the global environment since its outset in 1972.
UNEP’s objective is to inspire, enlighten, and enable individuals and nations to enhance their standard of living without sacrificing that of succeeding generations by providing leadership and encouraging cooperation in environmental care.
UNEP seeks to achieve transformative change for individuals and the environment by addressing the core reasons for the three planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Climate Action, Chemicals and Pollution Action, Nature Action, Science Policy, Environmental Governance, Finance, and Economic Transformations, and Digital Shifts are the seven interconnected action subprogrammes by UNEP.
UNEP increases awareness and pushes for sound environmental action through various programs, including World Environment Day.
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