Updates

As part of a G-NETS working group joint project, Tokyo launched a technical exchange initiative with participating cities in 2024. In October, staff from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Bureau of Sewerage visited Ulaanbaatar to observe current sewerage operations, including regulations on the city’s industrial wastewater. In addition, Tokyo also received insights into support measures for challenges such as reconstruction of wastewater treatment plants—an issue shared by both cities—and their management, as well as the development of human resources that can contribute internationally.

As part of a G-NETS joint project, representatives from five cities participated in a two-day site visit program on December 5–6 in 2024, hosted by Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), focusing on water supply and sewerage facilities. Participants experienced hands-on training at two training centers, recognizing the importance of well-structured training programs and advanced facilities. Discussions were held after the tours to share insights on common urban challenges.

Based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and New York City (NYC), representatives from Bureau of Waterworks and Bureau of Sewerage, TMG visited the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in November 2024. Discussions were held with Commissioner of the DEP and NYC Chief Climate Officer Rohit Aggarwala, focusing on four key topics of mutual interest. Given the significance of mutual exchange between the two cities owing to their many similarities in terms of business scale and other aspects, both parties confirmed that they will continue to conduct exchanges.

G-NETS working group held online thematic meetings in December, 2024 and online plenary meeting in January, 2025.

An Upgraded Version of One of Asia’s Largest Startup Conferences

Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, made his first visit to Japan in May in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the friendship between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and Berlin.

From May 15 to 17, 2024, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government hosted City Leaders Program(The 2nd G-NETS Leaders Summit), one of the events of SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024.

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.

Tokyo hosted the inaugural "G-NETS (Global City Network for Sustainability)" Leaders Summit from February 27 to March 1, 2023.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government introduced “Sustainable High Tech Tokyo = SusHi Tech Tokyo”, a slogan symbolizing Tokyo’s effort to develop new, sustainable values using cutting edge technology.