SEMINAR TIMETABLEFor Expansion of Transition Finance

Achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement requires not only accelerating green investment but also actively financing the decarbonization of the entire economy - including Hard-to-Abate sectors. Recognizing this, the Government of Japan has developed its "Basic Guidelines on Transition Finance" and has been contributing to growth of the market for transition-labeled bonds and loans.
While the importance of transition finance is increasingly acknowledged, a shared international understanding of its practical application is yet to be established. In particular, addressing the financing needs of emerging and developing countries remains an urgent challenge.
Against this background, this seminar will explore broad perspectives on transition finance, including how it can support decarbonization across diverse sectors and regions. Discussions will focus on expanding the adoption of transition finance in areas with high demand for climate transition, and on building frameworks that enable effective and inclusive financial support.

Opening Remarks

FUKUMOTO Takuya｜Deputy Director General for the Green Transformation Policy & Innovation Policy, METI

Keynote Speech

SHIGETAKE Naoki｜COO, GX Acceleration Agency

Panel Discussion

MOTOHASHI Takayuki｜Director for Environmental Finance Policy, GX Group, METI
ISHIKAWA Tomohiro｜Chief Regulatory Engagement Officer, Sustainable Business Division, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
ARIMA Jun｜Senior Policy Fellow Energy and Environment, ERIA
Gemma Lawrence-Pardew｜Head of Sustainability, Loan Market Association
Cecilia TAM｜Head of Energy Investment Unit, International Energy Agency

Closing Remarks

MOTOHASHI Takayuki｜Ditto

Mr. FUKUMOTO (METI) opened the seminar, highlighting Japan’s GX Strategy. He emphasized that the concept of transition finance has been gaining significant global attention. Mr. SHIGETAKE (GXA) followed, stressing the importance of promoting the GX Strategy and his agency’s role.
In the panel, Professor ARIMA (ERIA) highlighted that the pragmatic approach consistently advocated by Japan has now become mainstream. He also referred to the joint report by ADB-ERIA-METI.
Mr. ISHIKAWA (MUFG) noted that while there is a shift toward realism, many still perceive the scope of transition support as limited. He also mentioned the need for the government to strengthen its role.
Ms. Lawrence-Pardew (LMA) explained that the LMA’s proposed Guide was developed to advance decarbonization in a realistic manner, emphasizing that the key is expansion into emerging markets.
Ms. Tam (IEA) mentioned their report, about US$4-5 trillion of investment can be supported and the half should be directed to EMDEs.
The seminar concluded that transition finance is becoming a realistic solution, but challenges remain in ensuring integrity and preventing greenwashing, underscoring the government’s crucial role.