Important Facts of the News
- Event held on November 5 at the UN Headquarters in New York.
- Co-hosted by Japan with Chile, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand and international bodies.
- Opening message delivered on behalf of Japan’s Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu.
- Three high school students from Miyagi Prefecture participated and spoke.
- Japan referenced upcoming Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai in 2027.
- The “High School Students Summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025” to be held on November 27-28 in Sendai.
- Minister MOTEGI highlighted climate change as a factor in severe and frequent disasters.
- Emphasized importance of passing on disaster experiences to future generations.
- Japan asserted its leadership role in global disaster risk reduction.
Japan’s Leadership in Global Tsunami Awareness Efforts
On November 5, Japan joined hands with several nations and international organisations to observe “World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Bringing a personal touch to the event, three high school students from disaster-affected Miyagi Prefecture were invited to share their perspectives on disaster preparedness.
Minister MOTEGI’s Message on Disaster Preparedness
Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, in an opening message delivered by the country’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki, emphasised the growing threat of disasters around the world. He noted that the increasing intensity of natural calamities is closely linked to climate change and called for stronger global efforts to mitigate disaster risks.
The message underscored Japan’s long-standing experience with natural disasters, asserting that the country has a responsibility to lead international initiatives in disaster preparedness and education. Minister Motegi also underlined the importance of ensuring that lessons learned from past disasters are shared across generations, strengthening community resilience.
Student Voices and Global Collaboration
The participation of three high school students from Miyagi Prefecture added a meaningful layer to the event. The students detailed their efforts in promoting local disaster risk reduction practices and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming “High School Students Summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025,” scheduled to take place in Sendai on November 27 and 28.
Looking Ahead: Sendai 2027 Conference
Minister Motegi’s message drew attention to the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, set to take place in Sendai in 2027. As a country deeply familiar with the impact of natural disasters, Japan expressed a commitment to advancing international cooperation to build sustainable, disaster-resilient societies.
Japan’s proactive role, backed by real-life experiences shared by young voices from Miyagi, continues to demonstrate the nation’s dedication to fostering a safer global future through collaborative disaster risk reduction efforts.
Conclusion
As the world prepares for future climatic challenges, Japan is stepping forward with both policy leadership and youth engagement. The participation of students from Miyagi at the UN reflects Japan’s focus on empowering the next generation to contribute to resilient global communities.