Key Facts
• July 8, 2025: Emperor of Japan delivers video message at UN Headquarters in New York.
• Focus: “Water and Disasters” under the theme of cooperation and partnership.
• March 28, 2025: Magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar causes significant damage in neighboring countries.
• Examples of water management in Japan: Yamanashi’s Edo-era water-sharing facility and Shiga’s flood prevention tunnel.
• 1870s: Japan collaborates with Dutch engineer for Asaka Canal, transforming barren land into fertile farmland.
• Japan shares water management expertise globally, including a 40-year partnership with Indonesia.
• Emphasis on addressing water scarcity, floods, and climate change through global partnerships.
• SDGs deadline: Less than five years remaining to achieve water-related goals.
Summary
The Emperor of Japan addressed the 7th UN Special Meeting on Water and Disasters via video message, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and partnerships in managing water-related challenges. Highlighting historical and modern examples from Japan, such as the Asaka Canal and flood prevention systems, he underscored the role of collaboration in overcoming water scarcity and excess. The Emperor also reflected on Japan’s international contributions, including a long-term partnership with Indonesia to develop disaster prevention technologies. With the SDGs deadline approaching, he called for accelerated global action to address water issues and foster peace and prosperity.
