Message from the President
Happy New Year! I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings to you.
The Overseas Environment Cooperation Center (OECC) remains actively engaged in a broad spectrum of activities addressing pressing global environmental challenges, including climate change, the transition to a circular economy and biodiversity loss.
In November last year, the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) was convened in Belém, Brazil, commemorating the tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the Paris Agreement. The Conference culminated in the adoption of the Belém Political Package, which encompasses key decisions on mitigation, adaptation and climate finance.
With COP30 explicitly oriented toward advancing from negotiation to implementation, a notable shift was observed from a traditional framework centered on intergovernmental negotiations to a more action-oriented platform emphasizing practical implementation.
The Conference also witnessed substantial participation from the financial community, which increasingly regards climate finance as a strategic investment opportunity for the future. In addition, discussions on the transparency of corporate emissions reduction efforts have been observed with a view to improving investment predictability. Together with to the initiatives made by like-minded countries, the engagement and concrete actions of so-called “non-state actors” such as the private sectors and local governments have drawn international attention.
In these days, global efforts toward realizing a circular economy have gained further momentum in recent years, with this trend increasingly embraced by cities and local governments. During the Asia Smart City Conference held in Yokohama last November, ICLEI Japan launched the Asia Circular Cities Declaration (ACCD) framework, calling upon leading cities across Asia to endorse this important initiative.
Amid these dynamic global developments, OECC remains firmly committed to contributing to the international community, serving as a central player in the field of overseas environment and development cooperation. We look forward to further collaboration with you in the year ahead toward realizing our shared goal, a sustainable and resilient future for all.
