As we approach mid‑century, the accelerating loss of biodiversity and the impacts of climate change are expected to fundamentally reshape our societies and economies. In this Visionary Exchange on the Future of Earth and Biodiversity, participants will share a vision of a future society that thrives with nature and explore the conditions under which diverse life can flourish, drawing on insights from various viewpoints. Building on UNEP’s notion of a nature‑positive economy, where growth is only valued if it contributes to social progress and environmental protection, leaders and practitioners will examine global trends and local wisdom to chart pathways for international cooperation beyond 2030.

10:00 Venue open/Welcome coffee
10:30-12:00 PartⅠ: Speech and discussion

Main Topic:The Future of Earth and Biodiversity(What do we do to preserve the earth for future generations with abundant and diverse life?)

1. The Future of Earth (Energy)

Despite growing investments in renewables, global energy systems remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels and are a major source of greenhouse‑gas emissions. This session will explore how to balance energy security, affordability and environmental sustainability by drawing on varied national experiences. Because geography, resources and history differ, countries pursue diverse mixes - from renewables and nuclear power to circular carbon systems and community‑based distributed grids.

Speakers will share insights from their contexts and debate how energy transitions affect industrial competitiveness and daily life, the role of circular‑economy principles in increasing resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact, and the importance of international cooperation.

Speakers：

Péter Szijjártó（Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Hungary）

Malak Talal AlNory（Senior Advisor on Sustainability and Climate Change at the Saudi Ministry of Energy, Saudi Arabia）

Alessandro Bevitori（Minister of Labor, Economic Planning, Relations with the A.A.S.S., Ecological Transition, and Technological Innovation, Republic of San Marino, San Marino）

2. The Future of Earth (Climate change)

Climate action must reconcile emission reduction with adaptation, ensure a just transition and foster innovations tailored to regional contexts. This session brings together to discuss how decarbonisation and resilience can proceed hand in hand. Focusing on the links between public health and environmental protection, the potential of emerging technologies, and the roles of education and institutional design, participants will examine how climate policies can benefit developing countries and vulnerable communities equitably.

Speakers：

Leya Aldamani（Chief Sustainability Officer, PureHealth, United Arab Emirates）

Ian O'Hara（Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at QUT, Australia）

3. Biodiversity

Biodiversity underpins food security and cultural identity, and its loss poses existential risks to humanity. Restoring natural capital requires both local ecological knowledge and coordinated global efforts. This session will highlight the challenges and conservation initiatives in regions rich in biodiversity, discuss how cities can coexist with nature and preserve heritage, and emphasise the role of education and awareness.

Participants will also consider policies and practices that can advance a nature‑positive economy through collaboration among governments, businesses, communities and youth.

Speakers：

Yvonne Tay（General Manager, Temasek Shophouse, Temasek Trust, Singapore）

Jerome L. Montemayor（Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, ASEAN）

12:00-13:15　Part Ⅱ： Lunch networking

【Session 1: Global Health Equity and Access for All 】

-Programme Summary 

This session, themed “The Future of Earth (Energy),” discussed how to harmonize three key elements of energy policy: stable supply, economic efficiency, and environmental conservation. With rising electricity demand driven by the spread of electric vehicles and artificial intelligence, participants presented their respective national policy approaches and directions for technological innovation. The session featured Mr. Péter Szijjártó from Hungary, Ms. Malak Talal AlNory from Saudi Arabia, and Mr. Alessandro Bevitori from San Marino, who introduced their national strategies, including a stable supply model centered on nuclear power, a circular carbon economy, and the introduction of regionally distributed renewable energy systems. The discussion highlighted the importance of diversifying the energy mix, managing electricity demand in the AI era, and pursuing comprehensive decarbonization that includes materials production. The speakers emphasized that energy policy is not merely a supply issue but a foundation that supports the sustainability and resilience of society as a whole.

-Remarks by Péter Szijjártó

Mr. Szijjártó stated that four principles are essential for ensuring a sustainable energy supply. First, he stressed the need to respect geographical and infrastructural realities, noting that physical conditions such as pipelines determine the feasibility of supply. Second, he warned that energy supply is a physical matter, and excessive political or ideological intervention poses significant risks. Third, he asserted that the composition of a country’s energy mix is a matter of national sovereignty and should not be jeopardized by sanctions. He pointed out that the growing use of electric vehicles, heating and cooling systems, and artificial intelligence is rapidly increasing electricity demand. He argued that nuclear power is the only means capable of providing a safe, affordable, and environmentally responsible supply, cautioning that political attacks on nuclear energy could undermine future stability. Finally, he explained that Hungary is advancing plans to raise the share of nuclear power to 70 percent while introducing new technologies in cooperation with Russia, Germany, France, and the United States. He concluded that nuclear energy is the key to achieving a sustainable electricity supply and rebuilding cooperation between East and West.

-Remarks by Malak Talal AlNory

Beginning with the view that an unrealistic rejection of certain energy sources poses a problem when pursuing a sustainable energy supply, she referred to major international frameworks on climate change, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, and explained that countries are working toward their emission-reduction targets through domestic legislation, financial mechanisms, and carbon markets. However, there remains a wide gap between climate action, economic growth, and energy security. About three billion people still lack adequate access to energy, and she emphasized that it is essential to adopt a “trinity” perspective that integrates climate change, economic growth, and energy access.

Finally, she stressed the need for a comprehensive, science-based approach, given the slow progress in reducing emissions. She called for accelerating investment in technological solutions such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) while making use of all energy sources, and presented Saudi Arabia’s “circular carbon economy” as a practical example of this approach.

-Remarks by Alessandro Bevitori

San Marino, despite being a small country, faces the crucial challenge of ensuring a safe, sustainable, and self-sufficient energy supply. The transition to clean energy is no longer a choice but a strategic necessity for the nation. He emphasized the importance of uniting knowledge and technology through international cooperation and public–private partnerships. As a concrete example, he introduced the concept of an energy community based on solar power. By transforming rooftops and unused land into power generation sites, clean energy can be supplied to households, businesses, and educational institutions, simultaneously reducing costs and environmental impact. He described the acquisition of the company Atlas Solar 12 as an “investment in the future,” explaining that it is expected to meet 78 percent of domestic demand in the near term. He also called for multifaceted efforts, including investment in public facilities and schools, incentive systems that promote responsible consumption, and the use of international cooperation. Energy independence cannot be achieved in isolation but only through regional and global collaboration. He concluded by saying, “The future begins today when we take action.”

-Audience Comment / Question 1

An attendee expressed agreement with the view that nuclear power is the only viable solution. The participant then asked how large-scale nuclear power plants and small modular reactors (SMRs) should be positioned, and requested his opinion on the potential involvement of private companies in developing transmission infrastructure and contributing electricity back to the grid to achieve a responsible energy mix.

-Response by Péter Szijjártó

While small modular reactors (SMRs) hold great potential for the future, they have no operational record at present and remain theoretical. Therefore, the immediate priority should be the construction of large-scale nuclear power plants using existing technologies. Once the technology matures, multiple SMRs will be deployed near major power plants and industrial zones to directly meet new electricity demands. Linking large volumes of power directly to industrial locations will be strategically important, particularly with the expansion of the electric vehicle and battery industries. At the same time, the nuclear sector, for security reasons, is exclusively a matter of national jurisdiction and does not allow private participation. A state-owned system serves as the foundation of public trust, and operations will always remain under government control. On the other hand, active private sector participation in solar power generation is highly encouraged. Citing one of Europe’s largest rooftop solar parks as an example, the response concluded that expanding renewable energy and promoting distributed power sources are the keys to ensuring a sustainable energy supply in the future.

-Audience Comment / Question 2

An attendee expressed agreement with the premise that it is necessary to combine a wide range of technologies beyond renewable energy sources. The participant raised the question of whether energy systems should be designed on the assumption that demand will continue to increase with the spread of AI and new technologies, or whether not only the supply side but also the nature of demand itself should be reconsidered. As an example, it was suggested that wasteful consumption habits—such as strict business attire and excessive air conditioning—should be revised, and that demand reduction should be incorporated into policy perspectives.

-Response by Malak Talal AlNory

Ensuring the sustainability of energy supply requires efforts from both the supply and demand sides. However, despite technological progress, about three billion people still lack proper access to energy, and new demand continues to emerge daily. Therefore, it is unavoidable to respond based on the assumption that energy demand will continue to grow. Each country, she explained, must optimize its energy mix based on its own resource base.

Particular importance lies in addressing what she described as a “triple challenge”: reducing emissions and tackling climate change, maintaining living standards, and sustaining economic growth. Balancing these three aspects, she concluded, will be the core challenge for future energy policy.

-Audience Comment / Question 3

An attendee remarked that discussions on energy should not focus solely on means of supply but must also take into account the inseparable relationship between energy use and the production of housing and goods essential to human life. It was pointed out that the manufacturing of materials such as batteries, metals, and ceramics requires vast amounts of energy, making it impossible to discuss energy independently of its use. The attendee further stressed the need to incorporate the perspective of a circular economy and to pursue greater energy efficiency and carbon reduction at the manufacturing stage.

-Response by Alessandro Bevitori and Malak Talal AlNory

Alessandro Bevitori emphasized that a sustainable future depends on the choices made today and cited San Marino’s investment in solar power as an example. He underlined that this not only contributes to environmental protection but also demonstrates the best path forward by creating new jobs and fostering international cooperation.

Following him, Malak Talal AlNory noted that the question itself reflects the essence of energy transition. The world, she stated, must move from its current situation toward a future in which all energy sources—renewables, nuclear, and hydrocarbons—are combined with technological innovation. As a concrete example, she introduced Saudi Arabia’s initiative to integrate all industrial projects with carbon capture and storage (CCS) and to construct one of the world’s largest carbon capture hubs. The plan aims to reach a scale of 44 gigatons by 2030. She concluded that combining diverse energy sources with carbon management technologies offers the true path toward solving global challenges.

【Session 2: The Future of Earth (Climate Change) 】

-Programme Summary

This session, themed “The Future of Earth (Climate Change),” explored the creation of a sustainable society by considering the interconnections among health, the economy, and energy. Against the backdrop of increasing health impacts and rising social costs caused by climate change, participants shared the recognition that a comprehensive, science-based approach is essential. In addition to expanding renewable energy and advancing technologies such as carbon capture and storage, it was emphasized that mechanisms are needed to encourage behavioral change and raise awareness across society. The session featured Ms. Leya Aldamani from the United Arab Emirates and Professor Ian O’Hara from Australia, who shared their respective national initiatives and challenges from the perspectives of public health, economic policy, and technological innovation in the energy transition. The discussion highlighted the need to view environmental measures as opportunities for economic growth and health improvement, aiming to build a sustainable growth model through collaboration between the public and private sectors as well as international partnerships.

-Remarks by Leya Aldamani

It is a mistake, she argued, to discuss climate and biodiversity as if they were separate from human beings, since the collapse of the environment is also the collapse of human health. Rising temperatures, air and water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity have led to respiratory diseases and food insecurity, severely affecting healthcare systems. This is not merely an environmental issue but a public health emergency. She emphasized that corporations and healthcare institutions have an ethical responsibility to consider the health implications of their decisions regarding energy and land use. The healthcare sector itself accounts for 4–5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, creating an unsustainable cycle. Examples were presented of how to improve health outcomes while reducing environmental impact, including the digitalization of healthcare, the introduction of circular healthcare practices, AI-based health management, and investment in telemedicine. At Pure Health, efforts are underway to achieve net zero ten years ahead of the national target. She concluded that healthcare can be redefined as a “force of resilience,” capable of promoting longevity for both people and the planet.

-Remarks by Ian O’Hara

Addressing the global challenges associated with climate change requires a comprehensive approach that simultaneously achieves the regeneration of food, energy, and biodiversity. To support a growing population, food production and energy supply must each increase by 50 percent, while at the same time the world faces the opposing challenge of reaching net-zero emissions within the next thirty years. More than 100 billion tons of materials are consumed globally each year, yet only about 8 percent is recycled. He pointed out that it is essential to transition toward a renewable and circular economic structure that promotes resource reuse and regeneration. The bioeconomy, he argued, should be placed at the center of this transformation, utilizing renewable energy and waste as fuel and materials to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In sectors that are difficult to decarbonize—such as aviation and maritime transport—innovation and international collaboration will be key. He noted that careful governance is needed to introduce new fuels and lower their costs. By harnessing Australia’s abundant solar and agricultural resources and strengthening partnerships with other countries such as Japan, a sustainable and equitable energy transition can be achieved.

-Audience Comment / Question 1

An attendee pointed out the gap between the understanding of biodiversity in Japanese local communities and people’s actual daily behaviors. Many individuals tend to perceive environmental and health issues as separate from their everyday lives. The question asked what kinds of initiatives are needed to embed such awareness within communities and sought her views based on specific experiences.

-Response by Leya Aldamani

Efforts should focus on community-based partnerships that integrate health and environmental well-being. Collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, and charitable organizations has led to the establishment of in-school health clinics providing exercise and nutrition guidance, involving both parents and teachers. For the elderly, clinics known as Barakatna offer diverse programmes that promote continuous physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Through the free digital platform “Pura,” services such as online medical consultations, medication delivery, mental health support, and exercise programmes have been made accessible, ensuring that people with limited mobility can still receive care. In response to the rise in heatstroke and respiratory illnesses in the Middle East, awareness and early intervention initiatives have been expanded through community centres known as Majlis, empowering individuals with information to manage their own health. These initiatives have shifted healthcare from reactive treatment to a model that prioritizes prevention and equity, fostering a culture in which people actively contribute to biodiversity and environmental preservation through their own health practices within local communities.

-Audience Comment / Question 2

An attendee raised the issue that, while the discussion addressed the links among health, biodiversity, and global warming, there was no mention of plant-based food. The participant suggested that a global shift toward plant-based diets could return about 80 percent of agricultural land to forests, contributing to biodiversity restoration, and questioned whether this topic should be placed at the center of the health discussion.

-Response by Leya Aldamani

Although the topic was not covered due to time constraints, full agreement was expressed with the point raised. The essence, she stated, lies in food production and choice. Society as a whole must promote “clean eating,” meaning foods that the body can naturally process, rather than highly processed or origin-uncertain products. In particular, organic, accessible, and seasonal diets were described as a path toward both disease prevention and environmental sustainability. At the same time, caution should be exercised regarding so-called “Frankenstein foods,” such as those produced through genetic modification. She proposed that open public dialogue is needed to reconsider the future of food and its role in advancing human and planetary health.

-Audience Comment / Question 3

An attendee posed an economic question on public health and energy. Citing an analysis that climate change and biodiversity measures require investment equivalent to 1.5 percent of global GDP, while inaction would result in a 7 percent loss, the participant asked how society can be made to understand that everyone must share these costs “not for profit, but to prevent loss.” The question also sought views on how to establish a fair mechanism for sharing costs without placing a disproportionate burden on specific countries or corporations.

-Response by Ian O’Hara and Leya Aldamani

Ian O’Hara stated that the root of the problem lies in a lack of innovation. While costs can be easily quantified, the long-term benefits of countermeasures are less visible, making it difficult for society to recognize the true value of investment. He stressed the need for innovation not only in science and technology but also in policy, finance, and economics, creating frameworks that break away from conventional thinking. The future, he concluded, should not be designed as a continuation of the past but built through creative transformation across all domains to achieve a sustainable society.

Following him, Leya Aldamani warned against an overemphasis on economic perspectives and argued that health itself is the true foundation of the economy. A shift in mindset is required—placing people’s health, rather than currency or finance, at the center. She called for a proactive approach, much like turning on a switch, to take action for health. Emphasizing that health should not be treated as a commodity but as a driving force of society, she underscored the importance of evolving beyond GDP-focused measures toward systems that generate broader value.

【Session 3: Biodiversity】

-Programme Summary

This session, themed “Biodiversity,” discussed the realization of a sustainable society through the harmonization of urban development and the natural environment. Participants shared the perspective that ecosystem conservation should not be treated solely as an environmental issue but recognized as a foundation for human health, education, welfare, and local economies. With the understanding that the loss of biodiversity directly affects human life and well-being, the discussion focused on how to institutionalize and culturally embed coexistence with nature within urban spaces and communities. The session featured Ms. Yvonne Tay from Singapore and Mr. Jerome L. Montemayor from ASEAN, who presented policies, educational programmes, and partnership initiatives that promote coexistence between cities and nature. The session also highlighted efforts to achieve sustainable development and biodiversity restoration across Asia through regional cooperation frameworks and the participation of youth and the private sector.

-Remarks by Yvonne Tay

Singapore, though a young nation celebrating its 60th anniversary, has achieved sustainable development by maximizing its limited resources and integrating nature with urban life. Under the national vision of being a “City in Nature,” efforts have been made to create urban environments where people and nature coexist through green corridors and public spaces. She introduced “Temasek Shophouse,” a project in which she is personally involved. The century-old heritage building has been revitalized and now operates as a non-profit hub that combines social and environmental value. It serves as a space that fosters community interaction and nurtures a regenerative future while respecting cultural heritage. In architecture and landscaping, local plant species are used to create habitats for birds and butterflies. She also highlighted circular design practices, such as local craftsmen reusing old timber to produce furniture. She concluded that education and advocacy are essential for generating lasting change, emphasizing that collective action driven by a shared sense of purpose is the key to a sustainable future.

-Remarks by Jerome L. Montemayor

Although the ASEAN region accounts for only 3 percent of the world’s land area, it is home to 25 percent of all known plant and animal species and a population of 680 million, making it one of the world’s richest centres of biodiversity. The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, now marking its 20th anniversary, serves as a regional hub for international technical and scientific cooperation, promoting biodiversity conservation across the region. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among member states and introduced several initiatives, including the implementation of the Regional Action Plan to realize the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, measures against invasive alien species, and the “ASEAN Green Initiative” aimed at protecting wetlands. He also highlighted that youth and community participation will be key to the success of these efforts. Further examples included the expansion of the ASEAN Heritage Parks network, marine conservation projects, the establishment of a clearing-house mechanism for knowledge sharing, and the publication ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of various countries, including Japan, as well as the private sector, stressing that a healthy environment is the very foundation of sustainable development.

-Audience Comment / Question 1

A participant from Brazil introduced their country’s rich biodiversity and efforts toward innovation, while pointing out that the key challenge lies in “educating people for change.” It was noted that genuine transformation requires both influential leadership and effective public policies, and the participant asked how policies could become more practical instruments to empower people to take an active role in shaping the future.

-Response by Yvonne Tay and Jerome L. Montemayor

Yvonne Tay emphasized that education and advocacy are the keys to lasting change. She stated that top-down policies alone are insufficient, and that they must be connected with bottom-up movements driven by communities and individuals. In Singapore, she explained, the Temasek Foundation provides microgrants ranging from 50 to 5,000 dollars, enabling students and citizens to address local challenges. Such mechanisms, she noted, nurture civic agency and a shared sense of purpose among the public.

Jerome L. Montemayor followed by underlining the importance of “mainstreaming” biodiversity and promoting conservation through collaboration with “unusual partners,” such as extractive industries. He also stressed the need to invest in young people, whose new ideas and behavioral changes can drive growth in environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

-Audience Comment / Question 2

An attendee first addressed Yvonne Tay, noting Singapore’s achievements in urban biodiversity conservation and asking how the “Singapore Index,” used by various municipalities, has contributed to the Convention on Biological Diversity and to global urban summits. The attendee then asked Jerome L. Montemayor about the new role of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity as one of the designated technical and scientific cooperation centres under the Convention and how it plans to address the challenges involved.

-Response by Yvonne Tay and Jerome L. Montemayor

Yvonne Tay explained that Singapore, despite its small size, has long prioritized biodiversity conservation. She described the Mandai Wildlife Group’s initiatives, including the rainforest park and night safari, which exemplify an urban model of coexistence with nature. Ongoing efforts such as the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and new biodiversity credit schemes are fostering innovative partnerships, particularly across Asia. She also introduced the Mandai Nature Fund, which supports education and helps young people build careers in biodiversity. In a society where careers are often concentrated in finance, she emphasized the importance of showing the appeal of working with nature and reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to passing sustainability on to future generations.

Jerome L. Montemayor explained that the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity has been selected as one of 18 technical and scientific cooperation centres under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The center supports member countries in achieving their national targets under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by sharing information on readiness and resources. He highlighted that financing remains a major challenge and that collaboration with donors and partners is essential. The center also extends its support to countries such as Mongolia, India, and Timor-Leste, promoting capacity building and policy implementation across the region. He concluded by noting that the next focus will be the localization of biodiversity planning at municipal and village levels, with the mission of building a sustainable implementation structure through inter-country cooperation.

-Audience Comment / Question 3

An attendee, summarizing the overall discussion of the session, raised a question about the relationship between climate change and energy policy. The participant noted that the challenge lies in balancing economic growth and decarbonization while maintaining equitable access to energy. Referring to a potential 2°C rise in global temperature, the attendee asked Jerome L. Montemayor what impact such a change would have on coral reefs and marine ecosystems in ASEAN countries, and what the consequences would mean for local communities.

-Response by Jerome L. Montemayor and Yvonne Tay

Jerome L. Montemayor explained that although the temperature rise has not yet reached 2°C, marine ecosystems are already suffering severe damage, and coral reef degradation has direct consequences for local livelihoods. In ASEAN countries, much of the population depends on marine life as a source of protein, meaning that the loss of ocean biodiversity would lead to food insecurity and the collapse of community foundations. He warned that this is not merely an environmental issue but a social crisis with life-and-death implications. To safeguard sustainable livelihoods, he stressed the need for governments and citizens to act decisively together, integrating climate action, biodiversity conservation, and economic policy. While consensus-building will not be easy, he concluded that greater collective effort and cooperation are essential.

Yvonne Tay added that the restoration of nature and human well-being are inseparable. Elements such as shade, greenery, water, and air not only protect ecosystems but also form the foundation of mental and physical health and quality of life. She summarized that biodiversity and human prosperity must coexist in a mutually reinforcing relationship.

【Closing Reflections by Moderator Seiji Inada】

This Visionary Exchange examined, through the three lenses of energy, climate change, and biodiversity, how we should re‑forge a new relationship with nature. While squarely facing the realities and constraints each country must contend with - resources, geography, and institutions - we must also redefine the “common good” to be passed to the next generation. Advancing these two tasks in parallel constitutes the integrating challenge for today’s international community. The session presented a wide range of approaches: policy options such as nuclear power, distributed renewables, the circular carbon economy and CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage); responses to rising electricity demand driven by AI and EV adoption; and practical examples of nature‑positive urban development and community collaboration. All of these require a perspective that holds together, at once, supply (technology) and demand (behavior), and national sovereignty (decisions on the energy mix) and the global commons (climate and the environment).

Energy Realism and Solidarity:
Energy is physics - and it is politics. In an era of geopolitical instability, its politicization is intensifying. Debates that ignore the “terrain” of pipelines and power grids do not move reality. At the same time, the energy mix is both a sovereign choice and a question of how we manage the shared asset of the atmosphere. The task is to integrate the stable supply of nuclear power, regionally distributed renewables, and carbon‑management technologies not as ideological battle lines, but as matters of scientific and institutional design. What is demanded now is policy capacity that delivers both short‑term stability and long‑term decarbonization. Rising demand from AI and EVs is a fact, and demand‑side efficiency and behavioral change are equally central policy arenas. The future begins by advancing supply expansion and demand maturity in parallel.

The Inseparability of Climate and Health:
The climate crisis is a health crisis. Heatwaves, deteriorating air and water quality, and biodiversity loss directly impact healthcare systems, social welfare, and labor productivity. We must confront the paradox that the health sector itself carries emissions, and turn healthcare into an engine of resilience. Digitalization, circular healthcare practices, telemedicine, and AI‑enabled prevention are effective means to this end. Here too, the key is value design beyond simple cost accounting. Health is the foundation of the economy; it should not remain an externality outside GDP. A norm that puts health at the center only functions when fiscal, financial, and regulatory systems align as a whole.

Reintegrating Cities and Nature:
Biodiversity is not just an “environmental line item”; it is the soil of education, welfare, and local economies. “City in Nature” efforts to stitch nature back into urban life, the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings as social hubs, micro‑grants that empower students and citizens, and mainstreaming that brings in youth and various “unusual partners” - all of these scale only when
top‑down policy connects with bottom‑up initiative. Regional cooperation frameworks are expanding into wetland protection, networks of heritage parks, and clearing‑house mechanisms for knowledge sharing. Localization down to municipalities and villages drives the next step forward. Nature and prosperity can be mutually reinforcing.

In Closing:
What this session makes clear is that we have entered an era not of abstract ideals, but of design that links institutions, investment, and behavior. We must reweave energy from realities, climate from health, and biodiversity from everyday life into a single narrative of human well‑being. The Theme-Weeks at Expo 2025 Osaka‑Kansai have functioned as an “editorial room” where that narrative is refined together with stakeholders from around the world. Standing at the intersection of national interest and planetary interest, we must translate today’s decisions into benefits for future generations. To do so, we should remain faithful to science, wise to geopolitics, and kind to people. Action can begin today, beyond the Expo - by each of us.