I am pleased to greet you today to recognize Prime Minister Suga and the people of Japan for their commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

This is a courageous decision and a very positive step in the right direction.

I believe Japan has all the necessary tools to achieve this and become a global leader in climate-friendly technology.

Through this announcement, Japan joins a growing group of major economies committed to leading by example in building a sustainable, carbon-neutral and climate-resilient world.

Now Japan enters the critical phase of implementation.

I urge the country to identify coherent mid-term targets for 2030, and design and implement policies that are in line with its long-term goal.

These include setting an ambitious renewable energy target and a path to coal phase-out.

And they entail creating jobs in promising industries that can grow and become a cornerstone for a new prosperous green economy.

I call on all sectors of the Japanese economy to join the work for a sustainable future.

Working together, we can end the climate emergency.