Press Release
June 25, 2026
- Global Environment
Outcome of the 10th Ministerial on Climate Action (MOCA)
The 10th Ministerial on Climate Action (MOCA), co-hosted by the EU, the People’s Republic of China, and Canada, was held from June 22 to 23, 2026 in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium. From Japan, AOYAMA Shigeharu, State Minister of the Environment attended the meeting.
1. Overview of the 10th MOCA
(1)Date and Location:
June 22 to 23, 2026 in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium
(2)Co-hosts
European Union (EU), the People’s Republic of China, and Canada
(Co-Chairs: H.E. Mr. Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth; H.E. Mr. Huang Runqiu, Minister of Ecology and Environment of China; H.E. Ms. Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada)
(3)Participants:
In addition to the co-conveners (EU, China, and Canada), ministerial-level representatives and chief negotiators from 25 countries participated, including the Republic of Türkiye (Presidency of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP31)) and the Commonwealth of Australia (President of COP31 negotiations), as well as the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC. From Japan, AOYAMA Shigeharu, State Minister of the Environment, participated in the meeting.
June 22 to 23, 2026 in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium
(2)Co-hosts
European Union (EU), the People’s Republic of China, and Canada
(Co-Chairs: H.E. Mr. Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth; H.E. Mr. Huang Runqiu, Minister of Ecology and Environment of China; H.E. Ms. Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada)
(3)Participants:
In addition to the co-conveners (EU, China, and Canada), ministerial-level representatives and chief negotiators from 25 countries participated, including the Republic of Türkiye (Presidency of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP31)) and the Commonwealth of Australia (President of COP31 negotiations), as well as the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC. From Japan, AOYAMA Shigeharu, State Minister of the Environment, participated in the meeting.
2. Summary of Discussions
The MOCA, held annually since 2017, brings together ministers from major economies and the COP Presidency to discuss key negotiation issues for the upcoming COP. Japan has participated in every meeting since the first session.
At its 10th meeting, ministerial-level discussions were held on expectations for COP31 scheduled for November this year, as well as on accelerating climate action and strengthening international cooperation.
At the opening remarks, European Commissioner Hoekstra emphasized the need to accelerate concrete climate action, including energy transition through the expansion of renewable energy. Minister Dabrusin of Canada highlighted that climate action can be compatible with economic growth and underscored the importance of international partnerships. Minister Huang of China stressed the importance of transitioning to low-carbon activities in light of recent energy crisis, as well as the need for full implementation of the Paris Agreement.
From Japan, State Minister Aoyama emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening the ambition cycle toward achieving the 1.5°C goal and accelerating the implementation of climate action in the lead-up to COP31. He also introduced Japan’s initiatives, including the promotion of Green Transformation (GX), which aims to simultaneously achieve decarbonization, economic growth, and energy security, as well as emission reductions through the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). Furthermore, State Minister Aoyama stated Japan's commitment to advancing international cooperation through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), striving to archive both decarbonization and economic growth, and continuing contributions by leveraging its technologies and expertise.
MOCA plenary Statement by State Minister Aoyama
At its 10th meeting, ministerial-level discussions were held on expectations for COP31 scheduled for November this year, as well as on accelerating climate action and strengthening international cooperation.
At the opening remarks, European Commissioner Hoekstra emphasized the need to accelerate concrete climate action, including energy transition through the expansion of renewable energy. Minister Dabrusin of Canada highlighted that climate action can be compatible with economic growth and underscored the importance of international partnerships. Minister Huang of China stressed the importance of transitioning to low-carbon activities in light of recent energy crisis, as well as the need for full implementation of the Paris Agreement.
From Japan, State Minister Aoyama emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening the ambition cycle toward achieving the 1.5°C goal and accelerating the implementation of climate action in the lead-up to COP31. He also introduced Japan’s initiatives, including the promotion of Green Transformation (GX), which aims to simultaneously achieve decarbonization, economic growth, and energy security, as well as emission reductions through the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). Furthermore, State Minister Aoyama stated Japan's commitment to advancing international cooperation through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), striving to archive both decarbonization and economic growth, and continuing contributions by leveraging its technologies and expertise.
MOCA plenary Statement by State Minister Aoyama
3. Others
State Minister Aoyama held bilateral meetings with Mr. Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth and other high-level participants on the margin of the MOCA.
Bilateral meeting with European Commissioner Hoekstra