From January 31 to February 2, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) hosted a preparatory meeting for the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 City Leaders Program, which will be held in May. This international conference, held in downtown Tokyo and on Hachijojima Island, brought together executive leaders from 51 cities on five continents to discuss solutions to the challenges faced by cities around the world.

　The attendees presented initiatives on the subjects of Inclusive and Just Societies, Safe and Secure Cities, and Environment, and engaged in discussions on a variety of topics.

　The goal of the May event, which will be based on matters discussed at this meeting and others, is to bring together international leaders to share ideas, collaborate with startups, and experience cutting-edge innovations, in order to achieve a sustainable society, deepen the connections among cities, and develop new solutions for shared urban issues.

　In her address to senior officials of cities, Governor Koike said, "The 21st century is called ‘the century of cities’. Cities, which are at the forefront of response to key issues, including the climate crisis and natural disasters, must take concrete action. Building on this meeting, we will host the "SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 City Leaders Program" in May. At the same time, we will also hold a program bringing together startups from around the world, as well as a showcase program that shares our vision for future cities. We would be delighted to have the leaders of your cities join us for these events.”

The attendee, Ms. Sabine Gimbrere, Director International Office from Amsterdam (Netherlands) commented, "I would like to emphasize the significance of our coming together here in Tokyo. This global network of cities is an excellent platform to discuss how we can respond to major crises and challenges. It provides an opportunity to address issues in an integrated manner." The attendee, Mr. Manase Foukimoana, Director for Local Government Division from Nuku'alofa (Tonga) added, "The Pacific islands are extremely vulnerable to climate change. We need to balance indigenous knowledge with technology to better adapt our lives to the impacts and challenges of climate change".

　On February 2, the final day of the conference, the participants traveled to Hachijojima Island to experience the full natural diversity of Tokyo, located just an hour from the downtown center. Hachijojima shares similar administrative issues with the island cities in attendance, such as environmental conservation, waste disposal, and water management, providing an opportunity for participants to gain knowledge on solutions for these issues. The attendees also enjoyed exchanges with local high school students and visits to scenic spots, commenting that after seeing the beauty of the island and the experiences of its people, that it was a wonderful experience to be able to visit an island with so much natural beauty.

　Participants had the following to say about their exchanges with local high school students and visits to scenic spots: “We explored the beauty of the island and those who live there, as well as the challenges they face. While it is still under the jurisdiction of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, its distance from Tokyo, being 300km and a one hour flight away, is a source of both the beauty of the island and the reason for some of those challenges. Meeting with students from the local high school was very inspiring." Mr. Rainer Seider, Head of Unit International Affairs from Berlin (Germany) "It is wonderful to be able to come to an island, so abundant in nature, just an hour from the city center" Ms. April Marie C. Dayap, Director-Davao City Investment Promotion Center from Davao (Philippines).