Closing Remarks by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the High Level Political Forum 2021 Side Event- Climate change and water under COVID-19
2021/7/12
(As delivered)
Thank you very much.
Let me begin by thanking you all speakers for their very active participation and inspiring inputs today. I am sure this provides a valuable opportunity for all of us to share priorities and wisdom on climate change and water under this very difficult time.
A couple of things:
First, we need water to survive in all climates. Indeed, COVID-19 has reminded us of the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene. Japan has been a long-time supporter of the water agenda and was an active player in international cooperation in this field before COVID-19. On water and sanitation, the Japanese government pledged to provide over 1 billion USD in 2020 and continues to take actions even during the fight against the pandemics.
Second, climate change affects water. Adapting to climate change is a pressing issue of human security. The world can afford no further delay in addressing climate change. Japan declared that it will realize a carbon-neutral society by 2050, and will lead and contribute to the global transition towards a decarbonized world, looking ahead to COP26 and beyond.
Third, on water-related disasters, we are extremely concerned that they have become more severe and frequent in recent years. It is necessary to promote efforts to reduce the damage from water-related disasters by steadily implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
We hope today’s event will contribute to various ongoing initiatives and actions. Towards the UN Mid-term Review Meeting in 2023, we would like to have more discussions with strong political will and involvement of all stakeholders. Next year, Japan is going to host the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit in April, and wish to share our experiences and knowledge that is indispensable for achieving water-related SDGs, including water-related disaster risk reduction.
Last but not least, COVID-19 will not be the last crisis faced by humanity. If we are able to build an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda now, I believe we and our children together with our grandchildren, will have a better place to live with water and differing climates without fearing future pandemics and disasters.
Thank you very much.
Let me begin by thanking you all speakers for their very active participation and inspiring inputs today. I am sure this provides a valuable opportunity for all of us to share priorities and wisdom on climate change and water under this very difficult time.
A couple of things:
First, we need water to survive in all climates. Indeed, COVID-19 has reminded us of the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene. Japan has been a long-time supporter of the water agenda and was an active player in international cooperation in this field before COVID-19. On water and sanitation, the Japanese government pledged to provide over 1 billion USD in 2020 and continues to take actions even during the fight against the pandemics.
Second, climate change affects water. Adapting to climate change is a pressing issue of human security. The world can afford no further delay in addressing climate change. Japan declared that it will realize a carbon-neutral society by 2050, and will lead and contribute to the global transition towards a decarbonized world, looking ahead to COP26 and beyond.
Third, on water-related disasters, we are extremely concerned that they have become more severe and frequent in recent years. It is necessary to promote efforts to reduce the damage from water-related disasters by steadily implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
We hope today’s event will contribute to various ongoing initiatives and actions. Towards the UN Mid-term Review Meeting in 2023, we would like to have more discussions with strong political will and involvement of all stakeholders. Next year, Japan is going to host the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit in April, and wish to share our experiences and knowledge that is indispensable for achieving water-related SDGs, including water-related disaster risk reduction.
Last but not least, COVID-19 will not be the last crisis faced by humanity. If we are able to build an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda now, I believe we and our children together with our grandchildren, will have a better place to live with water and differing climates without fearing future pandemics and disasters.
Thank you very much.