Tokyo 14 September 2016—On an official mission to Japan, UN-Habitat Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos met with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Mr. Keiichi Ishii and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Koichi Aiboshi. The purpose of the mission was to reinforce the importance of the upcoming Third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) and the New Urban Agenda.

Both sides reconfirmed their commitment to a strong partnership. In particular, the Director-General for Global Issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the Executive Director for a productive discussion on issues concerning UN-Habitat and the New Urban Agenda. Noting the complexity of the issues contained in the New Urban Agenda, he expressed a renewed appreciation for the work of UN-Habitat and the importance of urbanization and its consequences around the world.

Dr. Clos also addressed the Japan Habitat Parliamentarians League to reiterate the need for a comprehensive approach to urbanization. At a public seminar held at Tokyo University, Dr. Clos presented a key note address and participated in a lively panel discussion on the New Urban Agenda, and sustainable urban and territorial development. The event brought together more than 120 academics. The mission was widely covered in the local press with Dr. Clos granting a number of exclusive media interviews.