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Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan
I would like to express my sincere respect to the organizer, the United Nations and the chair, the Government of
Brazil on the occasion of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). We, the world
leaders, bear responsibility for achieving positive results at this conference towards the realization of sustainable
development.
Japan has been encouraged by warm support from all over the world in the aftermath of the Great East Japan
Earthquake. The sound of hammers to reconstruct the affected areas strongly resonates with us. We are trying to
transform this tough process of reconstruction into a great opportunity to foster innovation to build a sustainable
and enriched society. Against this backdrop, I understand that the earthquake imposed on Japan a historic
mission to tackle the most pressing tasks facing human beings.
As part of our reconstruction efforts, the Japanese Government designated six cities of the affected areas as
‘future cities’ – future-oriented eco-friendly cities. Renewable energy and new systems, including smart grid, will
be introduced in these cities to achieve a frontier model for building a fulfilling society.
In order to realize a sustainable and prosperous society, the transition to a green economy is indispensable.
Japan will contribute to creating a better world by taking advantage of the most advanced and top-notch
technologies as well as expertise to satisfy both economic growth and environmental protection. Japan pursues a
world guided by the principle of Human Security, where every human being plays a role and equally enjoys the
benefits of growth and together realizes its rich potential.
With the expertise in energy conservation and green innovation, which has been cultivated nationwide and
will be further enhanced through the reconstruction process, and with the people’s resilience and the power
of ‘Kizuna’ (the bonds of friendship), Japan is determined to revitalize the country. I firmly believe that a
reconstructed Japan can further contribute to building a better world.
Yoshihiko Noda
Prime Minister of Japan