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Japan's Third Voluntary National Review – Main Message
1. Overview
Japan's third VNR covers a period marked by multiple global crises, including pandemics and climate change. Nevertheless, Japan benefits from widespread awareness of the SDGs across society and the active engagement of multi-stakeholders, and has made progress particularly in Goals 3, 8, 9 and 13. Japan strengthens its commitment to the SDGs, acknowledging Goals 5 and 10 still need more attention.
2. Key Aspects Emphasized in Japan’s VNR
a. Establishing Sustainable Economic and Social Systems
Japan seeks to transform solutions to societal challenges into engines for growth, supported by innovation, sustainable finance, and investment in human capital. The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, will serve as a global platform to exchange knowledge on sustainable systems.
b. Realizing an Inclusive Society where “No One is Left Behind”
Japan aspires to foster a society where every individual, irrespective of age, can experience well-being. Facing a rapidly aging population and declining birthrate, Japan is striving to create an inclusive economy and society. Japan has been addressing loneliness and isolation, based on the relevant Act, with a dedicated Minister as the control tower. Initiatives such as universal health coverage are contributing to extending healthy lifespans. The Children and Families Agency, established in 2023, drives child-related policies and ensures involvement of children and youth in policymaking. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games fostered barrier-free environments, spurring the revision of relevant disability laws.
c. Strengthening Efforts to Address Major Global Challenges
Japan has been steadily reducing its GHG emissions, and in February 2025 the Government set new targets on a pathway to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Efforts to integrate net-zero, circular, and nature-positive socio-economic measures have been advanced. Japan has been enhancing resilience efforts nation-wide in response to escalating disaster risks, in alignment with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Investments in DRR have also proven effective in facilitating early evacuation and rapid recovery during severe weather events.
In 2023, Japan revised its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. The GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama will facilitate the sharing of wisdom on how to live in harmony with nature.
d. Fostering Cooperation and Collaboration with the International Community
Japan recognizes that a sustainable economy and society cannot be achieved in isolation. Despite severe fiscal challenges, Japan continues to provide ODA based on the concept of human security. Japan aims to address economic and social challenges in developing counties, by strengthening collaboration with various partners.
e. Sustaining Peace and Promoting Sustainable Development in an Integrated Manner
Japan emphasises the interconnectedness of peace and sustainable development, and has been advocating the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda to ensure women’s full participation in peace processes.
3. Our Strategy for the Future
Japan aims to achieve a stable energy supply, economic growth, and decarbonisation by transforming solutions to societal challenges into engines for growth, fostering the development of a resilient, circular economy, and promoting innovation. The principles of “leave no one behind” and “everyone can make it happen” are paramount.
Japan, as a frontrunner, has tackled various challenges toward achieving a sustainable economy and society. By sharing our initiatives and experiences globally, Japan will promote the co-creation of value with developing nations. The focus could be on areas such as demographic challenges, local issues, and DRR.
Welcoming the 2024 UN Summit of the Future, which underscores youth engagement, Japan commits to realizing a peaceful and prosperous world based on the principles of human dignity and human security. Advocating for shared international responsibility and multilateralism, Japan promotes WPS and aims to lead international discussions on sustainability beyond 2030.
