IIASA had the great honor of welcoming His Excellency Mr. Keiichiro Asao, Minister of the Environment and Minister of State for Nuclear Emergency Preparedness of Japan, for a high-level visit and strategic dialogue with IIASA leadership and researchers.
The visit was hosted by IIASA Director General Hans Joachim (John) Schellnhuber and focused on further strengthening the long-standing scientific cooperation between IIASA and Japan, which has been a valued member of the Institute since 1972. The discussion centered on IIASA's future scientific direction and its evolving role and contributions in advancing global science diplomacy.
His Excellency was accompanied by a distinguished delegation from the Ministry of the Environment, together with esteemed representatives from the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna. The conversations highlighted shared priorities including overshoot management, carbon dioxide removal (CDR), climate resilience, and the vital role of science-based policy in addressing complex and interconnected global challenges.
"It is both a privilege and a strategic imperative to collaborate with Japan's exceptional leadership and scientific community as we jointly advance innovative, science-based solutions to the world's most pressing sustainability and policy challenges," Schellnhuber said.
The visit reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between IIASA and Japan, and the mutual commitment to advancing innovative solutions for a sustainable future through international scientific collaboration.
© IIASA
