"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Video Message by H.E. Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, for the "OSAKA JAPAN SDGs Forum"

[Place]
[Date] September 5, 2025
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes]
[Full text]

Distinguished guests,

I am IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. It is my great honor to offer some remarks on the occasion of the "OSAKA JAPAN SDGs Forum."

The theme of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." Nothing is more important than "life", and efforts to safeguard people's lives deserve the utmost respect. The Government of Japan has been aiming for a world where individuals can live in dignity, free from fear and want. This concept, human security, is exactly what drives the SDGs.

Japan has been actively working towards achieving the SDGs both domestically and internationally. As a government, we are directing our endeavors towards achieving the SDGs in our domestic and foreign policies, and are advancing towards their realization with a united effort between the public and private sectors. For example, we are pursuing specific policies in areas such as renewable energy, a circular economy, and climate change.

However, achieving the SDGs requires more than just efforts at the national level; the involvement of diverse stakeholders is essential. In particular, the role of local governments is extremely important. Creativity and flexible efforts tailored to the reality of the regions are the key for achieving the SDGs.

I am deeply encouraged by Osaka Prefecture's aim for Osaka to become an "SDGs advanced city" and its creation of new SDG initiatives throughout the prefecture. Under the Self- Analysis Model it has developed, Osaka Prefecture has been vigorously promoting efforts towards achieving the SDGs, including the "Osaka Blue Ocean Vision" aimed at solving the problem of plastic litter. I expect that the "OSAKA JAPAN SDGs Forum" will be a valuable opportunity for experts and stakeholders in the SDGs to gather, share advanced initiatives from both domestic and international sources, and deepen discussions on the "SDGs + beyond" after 2030.

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is also a platform for intellectual exchange and sharing the knowledge that forms the basis of the SDGs with the international community. I am confident that the discussions at this forum and the concrete initiatives that emerge from here will greatly contribute to the promotion of the SDGs in Japan and ultimately to the achievement of the SDGs throughout the world.

In conclusion, I sincerely hope that this forum will achieve great success through your active discussions. Thank you.