Tokyo 2016 welcomed a Japanese government pledge of $17 billion for infrastructure development in Asia.
Announced by Prime Minister Taro Aso at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the agreement showcases Japan’s belief that regional and global unity is crucial if the world is to meet its economic challenges - a sentiment reflected by the nation’s commitment to Tokyo 2016’s ‘Uniting Our Worlds’ vision.
Japan is going all out to demonstrate its commitment to global cooperation. During his speech, the prime minister re-emphasised Japan’s pledge to loan $100 billion to the International Monetary Fund, as he announced last November. He went on to introduce his nation’s plans to lower greenhouse gas emissions, including new emissions targets to be set by this June. In 2008,Japan’s notable efforts in international engagement reached across the globe with a commitment to double Official Development Assistance to the African region by 2012, as announced at the 4th Tokyo International Conference on African
Development.
Aso, himself an Olympian from the 1976 Montreal Games, officially pledged on January 28 to help bring the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Tokyo. The nation's administration is fully behind the effort to inspire both Japan and the world by organising a unique celebration of human achievement and cultural interaction in the heart of dynamic Tokyo. The Tokyo 2016 plan will produce an incredible sporting, social, economic and environmental legacy with lasting benefits for the Olympic Movement worldwide, as well as for Tokyo, which is undergoing the greatest urban change the world has ever seen under a dramatic 10-year redevelopment plan.
The assurance that Tokyo 2016 will deliver on its promises is grounded in the strength of its financial plan, which includes the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s huge, ring-fenced contingency fund of 400 billion yen (US$4.4 billion) and the national government’s guarantee of all related financial obligations. Additional financial strength comes from the yen’s role as a safe haven currency, in part because Japanese banks have experienced relatively limited impact in the credit market and Japanese companies have not suffered the same level of debit experienced by many companies overseas, as noted in Davos.
The stability of the plan also goes hand in hand with Tokyo 2016’s deep commitment to sustainability, including the most compact, environmentally friendly Olympic and Paralympic Games ever planned.
Dr Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO of Tokyo 2016, said: “The Tokyo 2016 motto of ‘Uniting Our Worlds’ is more relevant than ever before in view of the current global economy. In representing the whole nation with this Bid, we are deeply proud that our country is carving such an inspirational path which can benefit nations across the world.
“Preparation for these historic Games will dovetail with Tokyo’s visionary makeover, representing a sound investment that will pay high dividends for generations to come. The Games in Tokyo will provide a global stage to showcase best practices for cities worldwide to follow as they face the 21st century problems of urbanisation, matured economies, ageing populations and environmental degradation.”
