Climate-Biodiversity-SDGs Synergistic actions in Asia-Pacific

In the face of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, there is a growing recognition of the need for a synergistic approach. This approach, which seeks to address these issues collectively, has garnered significant attention. Notably, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) jointly started the initiative on Climate and SDGs Synergies in April 2019. 

Building on the momentum, the Japanese government took a leadership role by hosting the third conference in Tokyo in July 2022. Subsequently, the fourth conference took place last July at the UN Headquarters in New York. Then the group of experts was established, and a pivotal publication, "The First Global Report on Climate and SDG Synergies," was unveiled in September, coinciding with the SDG Summit. The report emphasized the imperative to accumulate tangible examples that exemplify synergistic approaches and to develop specific methodologies for implementing these synergies within policy frameworks. To accelerate these essential activities, the Japanese government is planning to present a Resolution titled "Promoting Synergistic Approaches to Address the Triple Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution and Support Sustainable Development" at the 6th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), scheduled in Nairobi at the end of February next year. In addition, Japan intends to convene the Expert Group in Japan next March for further discussions. Furthermore, a parallel effort is underway to develop a similar report tailored to the Asia-Pacific Region. 

This seminar, hosted at the Japan Pavilion, serves as a platform for expanding partnerships with like-minded nations and international organizations. The main focus of this gathering is to engage in substantive dialogues about policy measures that can be implemented to realize synergies and promote climate action, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development at the same time, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. Through this seminar, we aim to enhance our collective efforts in addressing global environmental challenges.