GEO Information Session & Reception (June 13, 2018)

　Japan has the honor of hosting the GEO (Group on Earth Observations) XV Plenary, which will be held on October 31st and November 1st in Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto. The week of Monday October 29th to Friday November 2nd has also been designated as “GEO Week 2018”, during which related side events and exhibitions will be held in Kyoto.

　In order to publicize the Kyoto Plenary and GEO Week 2018 and provide participants with a better understanding of how GEO works, Ms. Barbara Ryan, GEO Secretariat Director, and Ambassador Junichi Ihara hosted an information session on June 13, followed by a reception hosted by Ambassador Ihara. About 80 guests from Geneva’s Permanent Missions and relevant organizations participated in this event.

　At the GEO Information Session, Ambassador Ihara explained about Japan’s contributions to GEO’s activities and the current plans for the Kyoto Plenary and GEO Week 2018. Ambassador Ihara also spoke about his home city of Kyoto’s appeal and encouraged participants to inform their capitals of the event and attend themselves.

　During the reception, the Mission of Japan served sushi and sake and provided some takeaways pertaining to Kyoto, such as pamphlets, postcards, and pin badges. Participants enjoyed this taster of what Kyoto has to offer, and actively exchanged their views on GEO, and the Kyoto Plenary and GEO Week 2018.

Welcome speech by Ambassador Ihara

Reception

Kyoto pamphlets, postcards, and pin badges