Osaka Expo: A Food Waste Breakthrough – Cutting Emissions by Reducing Food Waste

Osaka Expo: A Food Waste Breakthrough – Cutting Emissions by Reducing Food Waste

Time/date: 21 September 2025 10:00–11:00 JST

Venue: Immersive Theatre, UN Pavilion, Osaka Expo 
Language: Japanese 
Organizers: UN Environment Programme (UNEP) / Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of Japan / Osaka City / Global Environment Centre / Initiative on Climate and Nutrition (I-CAN)

*Expo entry requires a valid ticket. It is recommended to reserve admission to the UN Pavilion. 
https://www.un.org/expo2025/en/un-pavilion 

Description
Food waste reduction is one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools to tackle climate change, hunger, and economic inefficiency. Cutting food waste could reduce up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—including 14% of methane—while redirecting surplus food into over a billion meals every day and saving $1 trillion annually for households, cities, and businesses.

Food businesses and cities are leading the way, but greater ambition is urgently needed. This session will explore how Japan’s leadership, alongside private sector innovation, can accelerate global progress. Speakers will highlight Japan’s achievements in reducing food loss and waste, showcase local government and business actions, and discuss how scaling these solutions can drive impact for climate, people, and economies worldwide.

Speakers & Highlights

• Maher Nasser, Assistant Secretary-General and Commissioner-General of the United Nations at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan – Welcome
• Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director, Industry & Economy Division, UNEP – Opening Remarks
• Manabu Suzuki, Director Food Waste and Recycling Management Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan – Japan’s success in food waste reduction
• Panel with leaders from Osaka City, Yokohama City, FamilyMart, and Second Harvest Japan – Scaling ambition and innovation
• Closing Remarks: Shinji Shimojo, President, Global Environment Centre

Join us to learn how food waste reduction can unlock solutions for climate, people, and business—and how Japan’s leadership can spark a global breakthrough.