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The Future We Choose: 4th Future Earth Japan Summit Explores Pathways to Sustainability

The 4th Future Earth Japan Summit was held on February 9-10, 2025, at the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) in Kyoto. Organized by the Future Earth Japan National Committee, the summit brought together diverse stakeholders under the theme “The Future We Choose – Beyond Global Warming and Social Divisions” to discuss pathways toward a sustainable society.

The event attracted over 100 participants, including more than 70 on-site attendees, representing academic communities, businesses, government agencies, NPOs/NGOs, and civic organizations. As environmental degradation beyond planetary boundaries threatens social sustainability, participants engaged in dynamic discussions on how human life and society should be shaped for the future.

The summit began with opening remarks from Professor Makoto Taniguchi, Deputy Director-General of RIHN and Co-chair of the Future Earth Japan National Committee, followed by two keynote lectures.

Professor Kentaro Hayashi of RIHN delivered the first keynote, titled “The Nitrogen Issue Behind Multiple Challenges, Including Global Warming and Social Issues.”  He explored the nitrogen problem through the lens of food and resource production, distribution, and consumption, demonstrating how addressing this issue can help tackle a range of interconnected global challenges.

Next, Professor Norichika Kanie of Keio University Graduate School presented “Voluntary National Review (VNR) on SDGs and Beyond SDGs Challenges.”  He examined the future challenges of “Beyond SDGs”, reflecting on the process of formulating the SDGs, the potential roles of Japan’s VNR and the Osaka Expo 2025, and the significance of transdisciplinary approaches in addressing these issues.

The following six breakout sessions were then held:

  • “Care Society and Planetary Health” explored the relationship between the concept of “care” in healthcare and environmental issues.
  • “Global Risks of Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss and Social Resilience” examined responses to complex global risks to build a resilient society.
  • “Connecting Youth with Local and Traditional Knowledge through DX and Open Science” investigated the potential for social reconstruction through the fusion of local and traditional wisdom derived from diverse nature, history, and culture, and digital technology.
  • “Global Research Network” discussed contributions to be disseminated globally from the Future Earth GRN community in Japan based on the preliminary questionnaire.
  • “Sustainability Transition/Transformation” shared practical research outcomes and discussed further research and policies for transitioning to a sustainable society.
  • “Post-SDG, Well-being” examined Japan’s position beyond SDGs from multiple perspectives across industry, academia, and government.

The final plenary session, moderated by Professor Misuzu Asari of RIHN and Secretary General of the Future Earth Japan National Committee, reflected on these sessions and discussed the direction of the “Future Earth Japan Report 2026”. Further dialogue will continue through symposiums and workshops scheduled for September 19-20 in Kyoto.

In the closing remarks, Ms. Yuriko Yamamoto, Co-Chair of the Future Earth Japan Committee and Executive Director of the AEON Environmental Foundation, emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary cooperation in achieving carbon neutrality and overcoming social divisions.

The 5th Future Earth Japan Summit is scheduled to be held at Nagoya University on March 5-6, 2026.

View the program for the 4th Future Earth Japan Summit in Japanese.