4 days ago
Emperor Naruhito Calls for Global Cooperation on Water Access at UN Session
On July 8, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito delivered a video message at the 7th United Nations Special Thematic Session on Water and Disasters. The event was held at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Speaking in English, His Majesty emphasized, "Access to safe drinking water and sanitation requires various forms of cooperation and partnerships between many peoples from the past to the present." Watch the English video message.
The Emperor introduced examples such as traditional water diversion systems used in Japan since the Edo period. He also mentioned the erosion control technology center he visited in Indonesia in 2023, using supporting materials and photographs.
He went on to say, "As global warming progresses and humanity faces floods, droughts, and water stress, I believe that we all need to realize the potential of cooperation and partnerships at various levels and need to take action." With this, he underscored the urgency of addressing climate change-related challenges such as floods and droughts.
Water issues have long been a central focus of His Majesty's academic work. As Crown Prince, he delivered a keynote speech at a UN special session on the subject. He has continued to participate in related events through video and online messages. During his recent visit to Mongolia, he toured the Gachuurt Water Source Project, a key supplier of water to the capital, Ulaanbaatar.
( Read the article in Japanese . )
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
