Message from the IGES President

The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) was established under an initiative of the Japanese Government in 1998 with the support of Kanagawa Prefecture. IGES acts as an "agent of change," leading the transformation towards a sustainable and resilient society in harmony with nature, and conducting strategic research with a wide range of stakeholders throughout the entire process, from design to delivery.

Today, the world is seeing an accelerating intensification of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Despite this, recent geopolitical challenges have diverted the international community's focus away from these crises, raising concerns about a delay or a backslide in coordinated global efforts. It is no exaggeration to say that the window of opportunity to realise a society where we can enhance the well-being of current and future generations within safe and just Earth system boundaries is rapidly closing.

In this context, a growing importance has been placed on synergies to address the environmental, social and economic challenges that we face in an aligned way. For example, renewable energy contributes not only to tackling climate change but also to ensuring energy self-sufficiency. Similarly, recycling critical minerals reduces environmental impact while strengthening economic security. IGES researchers have contributed expert insights to international discussions and a series of UN reports on synergies between climate change mitigation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As well as collaborating with UN agencies and other partners to develop a report compiling best practices in synergy initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region, we provide support for local-level implementation, thus actively working to foster synergies at all levels.

As we begin the second year of the Integrative Strategic Research Programme for the 9th Phase of IGES, we will continue to advance strategic research activities for a transformation towards a sustainable society. As the global landscape continues to undergo significant changes, we at IGES remain committed to further fulfilling our role as a sustainability think-tank, responding effectively to global needs.