Satoru Katsuno, Chairman
(Chairman, Chubu Economic Federation)

　ICETT was established in 1990 by Mie Prefecture, Yokkaichi City, and the Chubu business community. Since then, ICETT has actively promoted human resource development, surveys and research, and public awareness programs that contribute to the transfer of environmental conservation technologies in Japan and overseas, in cooperation with national and local governments and research institutions, with the aim of contributing to global environmental conservation and global economic development. We have actively promoted human resource development, research, and public awareness programs that contribute to the transfer of environmental conservation technologies in Japan and abroad.

　Regarding global environmental issues, the Leaders' Communiqué adopted at the G7 Hiroshima Summit in 2023 recognized that "the Earth is facing unprecedented challenges from three global crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Human activities are exceeding the planetary boundary of the Earth's carrying capacity, and humanity is indeed facing a serious environmental crisis.
　In the area of climate change, while common global targets have been set based on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), each country is taking measures to combat climate change. However, the negative effects of climate change have not shown any tendency to improve, and there is concern that they will worsen in the future.
　In order to maintain activities that do not exceed the planetary boundary and to bring about a sustainable society that achieves people's wellbeing, all actors in the world must work to solve global issues.

　Japan has contributed to the realization of sustainable development in many countries by making use of its experience in tackling various environmental problems, including pollution, and actively working for environmental conservation not only in Japan but also in developing countries. It is expected that Japan will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of the entire planet by utilizing its knowledge and technologies to solve global issues. On the other hand, in order to realize the decarbonized and recycling-oriented society that Japan is aiming for, it is essential for various actors, including governments and businesses, to work together more than ever toward a carbon-neutral and circular economy.

　In light of these trends, ICETT will collaborate with industry, government, and academia in the Chubu region in the areas of decarbonization and resource recycling, and will actively work to utilize advanced technologies, systems, and human resources, and to support the overseas expansion of environmental businesses by companies, thereby helping to achieve policy goals related to the environment not only in Japan but also in Southeast Asian countries and elsewhere, We will also contribute to sustainable industrial and economic development and improvement of the quality of life of people in Southeast Asia and other countries. We will also work to further promote innovation and investment in environmental conservation by companies in the Chubu region, and contribute to the realization of a sustainable regional society in which the environment, economy, and society are all improved in an integrated manner.

　We would like to thank you all for your continued support and cooperation with ICETT.