The 5th Forum on Carbon Neutrality Goals of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea

On May 13th, 2026, the 5th Forum on Carbon Neutrality Goals of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea was held in Tokyo, Japan, co-organized by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and Waseda University. Under the theme ‘demographic shifts and carbon neutrality’, the Forum brought together experts and activists to share case studies on policymaking and grassroots level climate action.

Through his opening remarks, TCS Secretary-General Hee-sup LEE explained the unique position of China, Japan, and Korea, as they make up nearly 30% of the world’s older population, which are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. He emphasized that climate policies must be more inclusive and responsive to this specific need, and further introduced the current efforts mandated at the 9th Trilateral Summit. He also highlighted that the theme of this Forum was especially timely, as it closely follows the 82nd Session of ESCAP held in April, where TCS signed an MOU with UNESCAP.

Prof. Yoichi SATO, Dean of School of Social Sciences of Waseda University delivered his opening remarks by demonstrating the complexity of modern challenges, such as environment, economy, and welfare. He explained that this Forum is interactive platform where research, policy, and actions come together, an example of academia knowledge being shared with society rather than remaining only as theory. Additionally, he introduced Waseda University’s carbon neutral efforts such as the WASEDA Carbon Net Zero Challenge in 2021 and establishment of the Waseda Center for a Carbon Neutral Society in 2022.

Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, delivered her opening remarks online, focusing on the need to develop an integrated understanding of how climate change affects ageing populations and sustainable development strategies. She stressed that trilateral cooperation has the opportunity to play a strategic role in leading collaboration in these two issues, and ensure sustainable development is just and socially responsible.

The openings were followed by a recorded keynote speech from Mr. Selwin Charles Hart, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action and Assistant Secretary-

General for the Climate Action Team. Mr. Hart urged the region to accelerable the transition to renewable energies in order to achieve carbon neutrality in East Asia. While he commended the efforts by China, Japan, and Korea for their achievements in employing clean energy in their industries, he also stressed that the three countries must assist and cooperate with other countries, as transitions are concentrated in certain countries.

In Session 1, policy experts from academia shared latest research on the nexus of population ageing and carbon neutrality, analyzing the impact of climate crisis on health, poverty, and human rights of the elderly. They further shared their perspectives on how the NDCs could better accommodate various age groups.

Session 2 invited stakeholders from NGOs and research institutes to share their endeavors in providing inclusive solutions for carbon neutrality in an ageing society. The session speakers introduced their organization’s work in promoting age-friendly communities and creating solidarity across all age groups for climate action.

During the discussion, speakers exchanged their views with the audience, especially on cross-sectoral and cross-country cooperation in addressing ageing and decarbonization.