Former Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi delivered a passionate keynote address at the Center for International Public Policy Studies conference in Tokyo on July 3rd. Speaking to a packed room, and a bank of cameras, the spirited former leader welcomed the G8 summit to Japan and raised the stakes for agreement among the world’s major economies on climate change and food security.
Widely considered a booster of the G8 process, Mr Koizumi never had the opportunity to host a summit. If he had, however, we would have likely seen a similar meeting agenda, focusing on development assistance and environmental policy. His government was an avid supporter of the Kyoto Accord as well as the instigators of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, now having held its fourth session.
In his remarks, he placed an onus on individuals to make sustainable changes in their energy consumption. These practices should be supported by government with incentives, but he centered on corporations to be innovative in its approach to energy efficiency and improve their own production methods.
He drew a causal correlation between the developing energy crisis and the troubling food crisis, warning that a shortage of research had been done before the widespred endorsement of biofuels. He called on G8 leaders to increase cash food aid to struggling countries and to reinvest in local agriculture programs.
Choosing not to weigh in on the difficult political situation Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has found himself in, Mr Koizumi offered some advice to the prime minister – show some character. As the heated parliamentary session continues in Tokyo, the former leader suggested that his successor clearly demonstrate that he wants to remain prime minister and ensure that his party knows he is the leader.
Not surprisingly, Mr Koizumi’s comments were well covered in the Japanese press that day.
G8 Toyako 2008 