August 10, 2004
The Ministry of the Environment announced on Tuesday, August 10 that it will organize a ministerial conference in Tokyo for April 28-30, 2005 to formally launch the 3R Initiative.
It is envisaged that ministers responsible for environmental or waste management affairs from G8 and other interested countries, including countries in Asia, will attend the meeting. Representatives of international organizations, including the OECD, UNEP and the secretariat of the Basel Convention will also be invited to attend the meeting.
The conference will discuss issues relevant to the actions identified in the Action Plan agreed upon at the Sea Island Summit, specifically, promotion of the 3Rs; reduction of barriers to the international flow of goods and materials; encouragement of cooperation among various stakeholders; promotion of science and technology suitable for the 3Rs; and cooperation with developing countries.