– A City-to-City Collaboration for a Zero-Carbon Society
Ordomel, Airai – August 27, 2024 – A momentous ceremony took place at the Bai ra Melengel in Ordomel, Airai, marking the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Airai State Government and Urasoe City of Okinawa Prefecture. This landmark agreement underscores their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development, representing a new chapter in this city-to-city collaboration focused on the global vision of a zero-carbon society.
The signing ceremony was graced by distinguished representatives from both parties. The Honorable Norman Ngiratecheboet, Governor of Airai State, and the Honorable MATSUMOTO Tetsuji, Mayor of Urasoe City, were pivotal in formalizing this significant partnership.
The ceremony featured heartfelt remarks from the Governor of Airai State, the Mayor of Urasoe City, MPII Minister Charles I. Obichang, and H.E. Ambassador ORIKASA Hiroyuki. All the esteemed speakers expressed their deep appreciation for this partnership and their enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts ahead. Furthermore, Ambassador Orikasa emphasized the “kizuna” (enduring bond) between the people of Palau and Japan, as well as the “tokubetsu” (special) relationship shared by the two nations.
Funded by Japan’s Ministry of Environment, this initiative aims to assist Palau in adopting Japan’s advanced zero-carbon technologies and systems, thereby contributing to the improvement of its urban development and promotion of environmental conservation. The collaboration will involve the exchange of valuable information to support their conservation efforts, while leveraging the expertise and resources of both Airai State and Urasoe City. This partnership not only seeks to preserve the pristine environment of the island nation, but also to strengthen the bond between the communities.