A session held at the UNFCCC COP28 Japan Pavilion brought together leading local governments from Japan to highlight their innovative approaches toward achieving zero-carbon societies.

Katsunori Aoki, Mayor of Katsushika City, participated in person, alongside Gino van Begin, ICLEI Secretary General, who joined from the field.

In addition, Ryugo Watanabe, Mayor of Sado City, and Shinji Hirai, Governor of Tottori Prefecture, contributed via video presentations, showcasing advanced zero-carbon initiatives from their respective regions.

As part of its vision to become a “Zero Carbon City Special Ward,” Katsushika City emphasized its commitment to addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges aligned with the SDGs. The city aims to leverage its expertise and networks—particularly its strengths as a financial hub—to promote the commercialization of industry-academia-government collaboration projects and to facilitate business-matching opportunities.

Sado City introduced various initiatives centred on the protection of the crested ibis and its designation as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) site.

Tottori Prefecture presented its NEST initiative and insulated housing efforts in a video message. Three students dispatched from the prefecture to the conference also expressed their determination to communicate their perspectives as young leaders actively.

Click here for a recording of the event.