On 16 May 2025, the United Nations University (UNU), in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden in Japan and the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), co-hosted a high-level seminar on "Water as Enabler for Climate Action and the Future Society of Our Lives" at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The event brought together distinguished guests, including His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, and experts from academia, government, and the private sector. The dialogue underscored the vital role of water in addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development, while reaffirming the strategic partnership between Sweden and Japan.
Welcoming remarks and scene-setting by Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector and UN Under-Secretary-General, and Dr. Thomas Rebermark, Director of the Swedish Water House framed the discussion on the urgency of integrated water management. Rector Marwala emphasized the shared leadership of Sweden and Japan in fostering scientific exchange, stating “This seminar is a powerful affirmation of both the enduring bonds between your nations and the United Nations, and the indispensable role of international cooperation in addressing the complex challenges of our time”.
H.E. Viktoria Li, Ambassador of Sweden to Japan, highlighted the deepening collaboration between Sweden and Japan, referencing the December 2024 Strategic Partnership agreement and shared values in innovation, sustainability, and climate action. She reflected on the longstanding tradition of scientific cooperation between the countries, remarking “It is no coincidence that water management has long been a significant focus of scientific research in both of our nations”.
The keynote segment featured:
- Prof. Taikan Oki, recipient of the 2024 Stockholm International Water Prize and former Senior-Vice-Rector of UNU, who spoke on "The Nexus Among Hydrology, Climate Change and Sustainability"
- Dr. Malin Lundberg Ingemarsson,who addressed "Water’s Significant Role in Climate Mitigation"
- Prof. Kensuke Fukushi, who explored "Water and Climate in a Human and Financial Resources Perspective"
A video tribute, "Water Wisdom", honoured the legacy of the late Prof. Malin Falkenmark, one of Sweden’s most influential water scholars, reflecting on the profound impact of her lifelong dedication to water research.
Mr. Hiroyuki Saito of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism officially announced the establishment of World Lake Day (27 August), recently adopted through a UN Resolution in recognition of freshwater ecosystems as critical to both climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
The programme then turned to Swedish-Japanese climate solutions. Mr. Tom Erixon, President and CEO of Swedish manufacturer Alfa Laval, shared how the company has incorporated carbon neutrality and integrated water sustainability into its manufacturing processes. He emphasized the commercial viability of sustainable industrial practices and the importance of collaboration between large corporations and startups to drive innovation. Mr. Harumichi Seta, Senior General Manager at Suntory Holdings Ltd., discussed the company’s water stewardship and highlighted initiatives such as the Natural Water Sanctuary programme, which protects forest ecosystems to preserve water resources, and the Mizuiku water education programme, (which has reached over 250,000 people globally) as examples of how corporate responsibility can extend beyond operations to environmental education and ecosystem conservation.
A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Rebermark explored water-based climate solutions. Panellists were Dr. Ingemarsson, Prof. Oki, Mr. Erixon, Mr. Seta, and Prof. Kaveh Madani (UNU-INWEH). Discussion topics included integrated approaches; links between water governance, sustainability, and social justice; “virtual water” and the protection of local communities; policy stability for industrial sustainability; and embedding water stewardship in business models.
Closing remarks from Dr. Rebermark reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue and international cooperation for a resilient, water-secure future, describing water as a “connector of nations, disciplines, actors, and generations”.
This concluded an eventful week for UNU, welcoming royalty, heads of state, senior UN leadership, and hundreds of participants across two landmark gatherings for global peace, sustainability, and multilateral cooperation.
