NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021) -Meeting the challenge to achieve carbon neutrality through a positive cycle of economic growth and environmental protection-

Jul 20, 2021

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) are pleased to announce the jointly organized “NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021)” to accelerate innovation in green investment and realizing carbon neutrality. The event will take place from Wednesday, July 28, and will be held online.

In the main program, panel discussions will be held between 15 leaders of global companies and organizations. From the standpoint of various regions and different business fields, they will talk about the world's cutting-edge initiatives and future visions under the theme of "Realizing Net Zero", which has become a global issue.

Mr. SASAKI Nobuhiko, Chairman and CEO of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), will present the opening remarks, Mr. TOKURA Masakazu, Chairman of KEIDANREN (Japan Business Federation), will present the keynote speech, and Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, KAJIYAMA Hiroshi will each present a video message.

In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Green Transformation (GX), a fundamental socio-economic change, is essential. Mr. TOKURA will present proactive initiatives by the Japanese business community to realize GX, such as the "Carbon Neutrality Action Plan" which Keidanren is now promoting, the "Challenge Zero" initiative that strongly encourages corporate efforts for innovation and climate-related disclosure for sustainable finance.

To achieve Net Zero, an extremely difficult goal, innovation is essential. We will hear a discussion on what kinds of initiatives global companies are pursuing and how they are drawing up a path for future technological innovation from the speakers’ individual perspectives.

Medium-to long-term support from investors and financial institutions is important in promoting a steady low-carbon transition for companies. We will discuss the latest trends from a variety of perspectives, including the progress of sustainable finance worldwide and the transformation of corporate behavior through finance.

In regions where industrialization is now accelerating, tailored efforts are required for those regions to achieve Net Zero. We will discuss various efforts toward a transition in each country and region, from the perspectives of a positive cycle of economic growth and environmental protection.

*Country names are where the headquarters or the speakers are located.

The main program will be aired three times over July 28 (Wed) and 29 (Thu).
Please check the schedule below for the start time of each episode.
If joining from the middle of the broadcasts, it is not possible to return to the beginning, so please be careful not to miss the start times.
* The total time for the main program is approximately three hours.
* The contents will be the same for all three streaming.

The NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021) aims to promote the attractiveness of Japan's investment environment and efforts to achieve Net Zero.

* The event details above are valid as of July 20, 2021, and are subject to change according to unforeseen circumstances surrounding preparation. Please visit the summit’s official website (https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/events/jbc/) for the latest information.