Message

The first decade of the 21st century have been warmer than any preceding period since global temperature records began in 1850 and it is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming, according to the latest IPCC reports. Climate change is a challenge that humanity is facing at this very moment, not in the future.

In 2007, I, as Prime Minister of Japan, proposed a 50% reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Innovation is the key to achieving this ambitious goal and it is essential for governments, businesses, and academia around the world to share their wisdom and closely cooperate with each other.

Based on this concept, I proposed the establishment of a new international conference where the world's leading policy makers, business persons, and researchers can meet and cooperate with each other to address climate change through innovation. This is an unprecedented attempt, an energy- and environment-focused version of the World Economic Forum.

It would be very beneficial if you, who are at the forefront of one of the biggest challenges to humanity, climate change, and are responsible for shaping the future of the earth, would participate in this forum. I hope to see you in Tokyo.

Shinzo Abe
Prime Minister of Japan

Addressing climate change is one of the most important and yet most difficult missions to date in human history. I believe innovations that will bring about new social system are required.

Joseph Schumpeter, who coined the term "innovation," called the agent of innovation the "entrepreneur."

"Entrepreneur" encompasses more than "business manager."
All relevant participants from government, business, academia and others should work for addressing climate change as an "entrepreneur." Prime Minister Shinzo Abe proposed the establishment of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum as a platform for "entrepreneurs" to share their knowledge and promote new action.

This year's ICEF annual meeting is a critical opportunity to pave the way for COP21 in terms of building an effective long-term framework to tackle climate change making full use of innovation. I am very much looking forward to meeting "entrepreneurs" today and having the opportunity to share enthusiastic discussions on efforts to pave the way for a bright future for mankind.

Yoichi Miyazawa
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry

Global warming is an urgent challenge confronting the international community. It is imperative that we make immediate progress on a global scale in the measures to counter global warming while at the same time promoting economic growth and the eradication of poverty. The key to success is innovation.
The public and private sectors must join hands in constantly promoting technological innovation and taking long-term and effective measures with a view to building low-carbon societies worldwide.

Japan is carrying out a proactive diplomatic strategy for countering global warming, namely, "ACE: Actions for Cool Earth". The Innovation for Cool Earth Forum is an important meeting that forms a part of ACE. The Forum aims at promoting greater innovation and dissemination of excellent low-carbon technologies that contribute to countering climate change. I hope that the participants of the Forum, who assume leading roles in the technological innovation, will share advanced knowledge and engage in active discussions.

Fumio Kishida
Minister for Foreign Affairs