Japan hosts Island States Summit to discuss climate and ocean issues

Japan will host an international conference next week attended by leaders and ministers from island nations in the Pacific and Caribbean regions, said Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Friday. Around 300 participants from approximately 30 countries are scheduled to attend the two-day summit in Tokyo until Thursday to discuss shared ocean-related challenges such as climate change and environmental protection, Motegi stated in a press conference. The Nippon Foundation, a Japanese grant-making organisation hosting the Island States Ocean Summit, stated that the meeting will be the largest international conference historically focused specifically on ocean issues and island nations. Japan has previously held a series of meetings with Pacific island nations. ‘We aim to promote Japan’s policies and initiatives related to the ocean and strengthen ties with island nations,’ Motegi said, adding that the summit will be co-chaired by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. According to a senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official, discussions will cover ensuring island nations maintain stable access to energy, food, and supplies without disruption.