NEW YORK – Japanese Emperor Naruhito on Tuesday expressed hope for continued global cooperation toward addressing issues related to water supply and natural disasters in a video message shared during a U.N. meeting on the topic.
The emperor said he hoped that future discussions for next year’s U.N. Water Conference “will encourage everyone to take new action to solve the world’s water problems.”
The emperor, who has made research into water issues his life’s work, has addressed similar U.N. events and World Water Forum sessions in the past.
His latest video message was screened during the Special Thematic Session on Water and Disasters at the world body’s headquarters in New York.
“Managing and using water together has led to strengthening of ties and friendships,” the emperor said, expressing his hope that “cooperation and partnerships on water will continue to expand and contribute to the peace and prosperity for humanity.”
During the 12-minute video, the emperor also introduced stories about how people have cooperated in dealing with water-related problems in Japan, showing slides with photos he had taken.
BY: The Times Union
