My name is HIROSE Naoshi, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. I would like to congratulate everyone on the opening of the 3rd RD20 Leaders Meeting, and pay tribute to President ISHIMURA for his leadership. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the RD20 representatives who are participating in this event, despite the time difference. In the paradigm shift toward overcoming COVID-19, we are entering an era in which the response to climate change is no longer focused on constraints or costs, but new growth opportunities. In this critical moment, Japan would like to enhance global discussions in this field. Thus, we are holding the “Tokyo Beyond Zero Week” again this year. This is an initiative that involves a wide range of players, and aims to achieving carbon neutrality on a global scale, or even “Beyond-Zero” which means reducing CO2 emissions on a stock basis. As a part of the “Tokyo Beyond Zero Week”, the RD20 Leaders Meeting is an important place, where leaders of research institutes from G20 members get together, including 120,000 researchers in total. Climate change is a common, global challenge, and solutions will require the efforts of the entire world. I consider that three important points need to be taken into account. Firstly, “various pathways”. Each countries has its own pathway to achieving carbon neutrality: one that suits their energy situation and technological capabilities. Secondly, “innovation”. Technological innovations through research and development will be the key to exploring all types of energy and technology to advance energy transition. Thirdly, “engagement”. It is important to support emerging countries in their introduction of innovative technologies, so that they are not left behind in the transition to a low-carbon society. With these three points in mind, we need to find solutions for the difficult challenges presented by climate change, and create a new future. It is essential to bring together the wisdom of the world to create innovations to enable various transition towards decarbonization. Above all, the role of researchers who actually create innovative technologies is extremely important. The G20 countries account for 90% of the world’s GDP and 80% of CO2 emissions. It is clear that these G20 countries and their researchers should play a central role in the challenge of climate change. The efforts to promote energy conservation and to introduce renewable energy are extremely important. At the same time, there is no doubt that disruptive innovation is needed to solve the challenges facing the world today. We have 30 years until 2050, but it will take a certain amount of time for technology to be created, improved to reduce costs, and to become publicly implemented and widely used. With that in mind, effective methods of generating innovation are of utmost importance. It’s safe to say that this depends on the efforts of people here today. I hope that international cooperation between research institutes will be further strengthened through RD20. Japan is taking on the challenge of carbon neutrality. Last October, Japan declared the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. And this April, Japan announced that it would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 46 percent in fiscal year 2030. This is a target which is aligned with the long-term goal of net-zero by 2050, while continuing strenuous efforts in its challenge to meet the lofty goal of cutting emissions by 50 percent. As concrete measures, The Government of Japan formulated the Green Growth Strategy last December, and it was further updated this June. Based on the strategy, all available policies will be directed to supporting these forward-looking challenges faced by companies, such as making bold investments to stimulate innovation. Also, Japan launched a new 2 trillion yen green innovation fund that will continuously support research, development and demonstration for the next 10 years. We have already started projects in the hydrogen sector, and we will continue to develop and start projects in other promising fields. Additionally, during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, as we aim to realize a decarbonized society, the venues of the Expo will become a “People’s Living Lab” for demonstrating new technologies. We will introduce Japan’s technology to the world, such as hydrogen, ammonia power generation, CO2 absorption concrete, and CO2 separation and recovery. Various efforts are being made in each country to achieve decarbonization. I hope that RD20 will sustain those efforts by promoting technological innovation, and pave pathways toward the realization of carbon neutrality and “Beyond Zero”. Thank you for your attention.