UNDP and IGES Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Sustainable Development

From left: Dr. Kazuhiko Watanabe, President of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), and Ms. Shoko Nishikawa, UNDP Resident Representative in Japan.

This Memorandum of Understanding aims to promote climate change mitigation, the enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and the transition toward a decarbonized, resilient, and low-environmental-impact circular society in harmony with nature.

This collaboration brings together UNDP’s extensive global efforts toward sustainable development and IGES’s expertise and experience as an international environmental policy research institution, cultivated since its establishment in Japan and across the Asia-Pacific region.

The cooperation will focus on comprehensively addressing the interconnected environmental, social, and economic challenges facing the international community. Emphasis will be placed on generating synergies through integrated approaches and fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, the private sector, and civil society. Knowledge and outcomes will be shared and disseminated through workshops and joint events to promote and scale up practical initiatives.

This MoU is expected to strengthen such collaboration further and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing human well-being.

Ms. Shoko Nishikawa, UNDP Resident Representative in Japan, stated:

"Climate change and biodiversity loss are not merely environmental issues—they deeply affect people’s livelihoods and the very foundation of sustainable development. UNDP and IGES aim to realize a society where humans and nature coexist. UNDP provides policy support and implementation assistance in over 140 countries toward nature conservation and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, and we seek to further leverage IGES’s cutting-edge research. Through this partnership, we also hope to share Japan’s experiences, technologies, and know-how on building a circular society with the world, promoting mutually beneficial cooperative development."

Dr. Kazuhiko Watanabe, President of IGES, stated:

"The world is facing an accelerating 'triple crisis' of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. However, recent geopolitical shifts risk stalling coordinated global action. IGES has long prioritized strategic research through collaboration with diverse stakeholders to transform toward sustainable and resilient societies that coexist with nature. Recently, we jointly published a report with UN agencies showcasing best practices on synergies between climate action and the SDGs. Moving forward, through our partnership with UNDP—deeply experienced in human development and well-being—we will further contribute to realizing sustainable societies."