It is a great honor to send this message to the 6th Lisbon Conference, organized by the Club of Lisbon. In an increasingly divided world, this conference offers a vital opportunity to discuss the complexities of our current global landscape.

We are at a historical turning point where multilateralism and the rules based international order are being challenged by power politics, regionalism, and protectionism. The geopolitical turmoil, especially the war in Ukraine and Gaza conflict, has significantly impacted mutual understanding and respect within the international community. At the same time, humanity faces existential threats like climate change and new security risks such as cyberattacks and information manipulation. The only way to address these global challenges is by promoting international cooperation at all levels through dialogues.

Japan firmly believes in the importance of maintaining a free and open international order based on universal values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law to overcome the challenges we are facing.

The Indo-Pacific region, where Japan is located, is a critical hub for global growth, but it is also marked by rising geopolitical tensions and challenges to the international order. Japan has responded proactively with its Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision, emphasizing the need for cooperation on global issues including food security and resilient supply chains.

In response to the aggression against Ukraine and the rising tensions in East Asia, Japan is working closely with its ally and like-minded partners, particularly with the United States, IP4 countries, NATO and European countries, to uphold these principles, as we recognize that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are closely interlinked.

In a complex and divided world, Japan has been promoting its diplomacy under its belief “moderation in all things” and serves as a bridge among opposed parties to fill gaps among them through dialogue. For example, Japan has been devoted itself to be a good office and mediator for the Middle East peace process, dialogue between Iran and western countries by utilizing its friendly relations with party concerns.

As we navigate a challenging era , platforms like the Lisbon Conference become increasingly valuable. The discussions on critical minerals, energy transitions, and the role of culture and identity will offer essential insights into how we can build a more resilient, cooperative, and sustainable future.

I would like to thank the Club of Lisbon for hosting this important dialogue. Japan remains committed to collaborating with the international community to address these shared challenges and to forge a path toward a more peaceful and united world.

Makoto Ota
Ambassador of Japan to Portugal