[Provisional translation]
On October 15, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi attended the Global Environmental Action (GEA) International Conference 2026 held in Tokyo in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress.
At the opening ceremony, the GEA Chairman delivered opening remarks, followed by an address by His Majesty the Emperor. Prime Minister Takaichi then delivered an address.
The Prime Minister said in her address as follows:
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
Good morning, everyone.
Good morning, everyone.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the opening of the Global Environmental Action (GEA) International Conference 2026 in the gracious presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress.
This year, once again, natural disasters have caused extremely serious damage in Japan and other parts of the world, as disasters become increasingly severe and frequent.
Japan, too, has suffered many natural disasters. I offer my deepest condolences to all those who have lost their precious lives in Japan and abroad, and extend my heartfelt sympathies to all those affected.
To enhance resilience against disasters, we will strengthen strategic investments that enhance resilience against potential crises, including investments in disaster management.
At the same time, we will share Japan’s world-class knowledge and expertise in disaster management, recovery and reconstruction through international disaster management cooperation.
To protect the lives of people living today and those of future generations, all countries must take climate change measures seriously.
I believe that climate change measures and economic growth can go hand in hand.
Japan has been advancing green transformation (GX) initiatives, leveraging its technological strengths to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. These initiatives include establishing production and technological foundations for green steel, utilizing gas-fired power generation with the world's highest efficiency, and promoting the widespread adoption of energy-efficient data centers.
We will vigorously advance these initiatives under the Comprehensive Package for Strengthening the Resilience of the Energy Supply and Demand Structure (POWERR GX).
In doing so, we aim to simultaneously achieve decarbonization, energy security, and economic growth.
Through our initiatives under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), we will contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
The International Horticultural Expo 2027 will be an excellent opportunity to showcase Japan’s appeal to the world.
We will share with the world not only the appeal of flowers, greenery, food and agriculture, but also Japan’s outstanding technologies that contribute to addressing global environmental challenges, including decarbonization.
Today's conference brings together representatives of leading companies, scientists, and government officials from around the world.
I sincerely hope that the conference will provide an opportunity for active and fruitful discussions toward protecting the global environment and building a prosperous and sustainable future.
In closing, I wish all those present here today good health and continued success in their endeavors.