On 16 May 2025, UNU, the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and the Embassy of Sweden in Japan will co-host the seminar “Water as Enabler for Climate Action and the Future Society of Our Lives”. This event will begin at 14:00 in U Thant International Conference Hall at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.
Efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions can inadvertently impact water security, driving up food and water prices and altering resource availability. Similarly, large-scale adaptation measures, while essential for resilience, may introduce unintended environmental consequences. Current research often prioritizes mitigation over adaptation, failing to fully account for the interconnected dynamics of water resources.
Moreover, global models frequently lack the regional and country-specific granularity needed for effective policy development. A truly comprehensive approach must integrate climate mitigation, adaptation and sustainable water management, ensuring that strategies are not only effective in reducing emissions but also equitable, resilient and sensitive to local water realities.
The Embassy of Sweden in Japan, the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and the United Nations University will jointly host a seminar on the importance of water management in tackling climate change. The event will feature Professor Taikan Oki, recipient of the 2024 Stockholm International Water Prize, world-renowned researcher in hydrology at the University of Tokyo, and former Senior Vice-Rector of UNU.
The dialogue will be held in the presence of H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and will gather experts from academia, and the public and private sectors, and re-affirm the mutual interest of Sweden and Japan in working more closely in research and innovation to respond to the changing global environment. These mutual interests and values are in line with the key cooperation areas highlighted in the Strategic Partnership agreed upon by the Prime Ministers of Sweden and Japan in December 2024, as well as the main theme of this year’s EXPO 2025 Osaka: "Designing Future Society for Our Lives".
Please note that this event will be held in English with simultaneous interpretation into Japanese.
Registration
Advance registration is required. Click on the REGISTER button above to access the online (Luma) registration page.
On event day at the registration desk, every participant will be requested to present: 1) their personal event invitation or their Luma registration approval email, and 2) photo identification (driver's license, passport, etc.). Due to security reasons, no guest will be allowed to enter the venue without both forms of verification.
There will be baggage inspection and metal detector checks on site. In addition, please kindly refrain from bringing a large suitcase or bag to the venue.
Please note that no drinks or food will be allowed in U Thant International Conference Hall.
UNU@50
This event is part of the UNU 50th anniversary celebration. To learn more, visit: https://unu.edu/unuat50
Agenda
14:00 — Moderation and setting the scene
- Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Dr. Thomas Rebermark, Director, Swedish Water House
14:05 — Highlighting the Japan-Sweden strategic partnership
- H.E. Viktoria Li, Ambassador of Sweden to Japan
14:10 — Keynote speech
- Prof. Taikan Oki — The Nexus among Hydrology, Climate Change and Sustainability
14:25 — Video intervention
- “Water Wisdom from Prof. Malin Falkenmark”
14:30 — Announcement of UN Resolution for World Lake Day
14:35 — Keynote speech
- Dr. Malin Lundberg Ingemarsson — Water's Significant Role in Climate Mitigation
14:45 — Keynote speech
- Prof. Kensuke Fukushi — Water and Climate in a Human and Financial Resources Perspective
14:55 — Swedish Japanese climate solutions (water and cross-sectoral)
15:10 — Panel discussion
Moderator:
- Dr. Thomas Rebermark, Director, Swedish Water House
Panellists:
- Dr. Malin Lundberg Ingemarsson, Programme Manager and Team Lead, Water for Resilient Landscapes, Swedish Water House
- Prof. Taikan Oki, Recipient of the 2024 Stockholm International Water Prize, Professor at the University of Tokyo
- Prof. Kaveh Madani, Director, UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health
- Representative of Swedish private sector (TBC)
- Representative of Japanese private sector (TBC)
15:50 — Closing remarks
- Dr. Thomas Rebermark, Director, Swedish Water House
- H.E. Viktoria Li, Ambassador of Sweden to Japan
