December 02, 2025
Japan making progress toward achieving SDGs
Chief Cabinet Secretary
A decade has passed since the unanimous adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015. Over this time, many parties have made long efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals. As a result, the economic and social activities of the international community — from people’s awareness and lifestyles to industrial structures and financial flows — have undergone rapid and significant transformations.
This year, Japan conducted its third Voluntary National Review of the implementation of the agenda, four years since its last review. A prominent feature of Japan’s promotion of the SDGs is a high level of awareness and engagement among multiple stakeholders. The Japan Times’ Sustainable Japan Award has contributed significantly to raising awareness and promoting the SDGs in Japan, and I extend my respect to its efforts.
The government of Japan has been supporting business initiatives focused on realizing a sustainable economy and society, with the aim of turning solutions to social issues into engines for growth as well in order to demonstrate the compatibility of growth and sustainability as a realistic path to achieving the SDGs.
Japan’s efforts in sustainable finance have been remarkable, with the balance expanding from ¥56 trillion (approximately $500 billion) in 2016 to an estimated ¥626 trillion ($4.12 trillion) in 2024. Furthermore, impact investments that intend to realize positive social or environmental outcomes while securing financial returns are growing.
Achieving the SDGs requires united efforts from everyone. This is a principle that Japan has consistently advocated for through the promotion of human security. To achieve an inclusive society, as expressed by the 2030 Agenda’s central promise to “leave no one behind,” it is essential that everyone everywhere makes it happen.
Additionally, vibrant international exchange and knowledge-sharing are essential to realizing the SDGs. The ongoing Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, with its theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” serves as a dynamic platform for such exchanges. In these times, when the international community faces various divisions and crises, we must share hope for the future and foster solidarity and cooperation toward the SDGs.
Japan faces numerous challenges, including a declining birth rate, an aging population and a high risk of natural disasters. Accordingly, the government is engaged in concerted efforts for revitalizing regions and reducing disaster risks. Japan aims to present its approaches and insights on these challenges as a model to the international community. Japan remains resolutely committed to the realization of a sustainable economy and society and aims to play a leading role in discussions and rulemaking on international sustainability beyond 2030.
