On December 12, 2025, our Executive Director, Togo Uchida delivered a keynote speech at “The 2050 Pledge: Turning Climate Promises into Action”, an event co-hosted by the Emirates Global Youth Council in Japan and the Academy for Leadership, Institute of Science Tokyo.

The Emirates Global Youth Council in Japan was established by the Federal Youth Authority of the Government of the United Arab Emirates in cooperation with the Embassy of the UAE in Japan. Its objectives include empowering Emirati youth who are studying in Japan and supporting their active participation on the global stage. The Academy for Leadership at the Institute of Science Tokyo provides education designed to cultivate leadership that can guide the international community, building on the advanced expertise students develop in graduate studies.

This event provided a platform for promising students who will shape the next generation to learn and engage in discussion. On the day, students learned from corporate representatives about initiatives toward decarbonization and the transition to a circular society aimed at achieving net zero by 2050. In addition, during the youth workshop, participants discussed various sustainability challenges and potential solutions. Executive Director Uchida introduced sustainability initiatives undertaken by ICLEI Japan member local governments, as well as youth activity support programs implemented by Japanese municipalities.

ICLEI Japan recognizes and values the active role of youth who are earnestly addressing a wide range of challenges and works to support youth-led activities within its member local governments.