National Committee
(in preparation)
Study group for the Decade
At the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in December 2017, it was declared that 2021 to 2030 would be the “United Nations Decade of Marine Science for Sustainable Development” (hereinafter, “the Decade”). ). This is for the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG-14 (ocean) and SDG-13 (climate change). Based on the recognition that it is essential to promote research with particular emphasis on the ocean, where many unknown parts still remain, it was proposed to the UN General Assembly after the resolution of the IOC General Assembly.
In the Decade, the development of observation networks and the promotion of scientific research necessary to achieve the goals will be promoted under the initiative of UNESCO IOC, etc., and the results of these observations and research will be linked to the SDGs. In the output part, the perspective of maritime policy is indispensable. In addition, the UN’s issues related to the United Nations Climate Change Framework Convention and the Biodiversity Convention, which have become major issues in recent years, and related issues related to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (BBNJ). At the intergovernmental conference, it is necessary to enhance solid scientific knowledge based on natural science research, such as discussions on marine genetic resources and marine protected areas, and marine plastic issues, and at the same time, in developing concrete measures. The contribution of research on maritime policy is also essential. In addition, it is required to present solutions from the viewpoint of science and technology innovation.
In Japan, which advocates a maritime nation and a science and technology nation, the promotion of such marine science is an important issue that forms the basis of maritime policy, and it is expected that Japan will show leadership from the aspect of science and technology diplomacy. On the other hand, industry-government-academia-private collaboration in the field of marine science is not always sufficient, and it is essential to formulate a strategy that comprehensively analyzes Japan’s strengths. Therefore, the Japan Ocean Policy Association and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Ocean Policy Research Institute will jointly hold a study group on his decade of United Nations ocean science.