Japan begins ‘Cool Biz' energy-saving casual wear campaign
The Japanese government began its annual "Cool Biz" campaign Tuesday to promote energy conservation in the workplace by dressing more casually.
The Japanese government began its annual "Cool Biz" campaign Tuesday to promote energy conservation in the workplace by dressing more casually, Kyodo reports.
Cool Biz, which calls for setting office air conditioners at 28 C, will run until the end of September, allowing officials at the central government to work without jackets and ties and wear polo shirts, sneakers and even Hawaiian aloha shirts.
The Environment Ministry introduced the initiative in 2005 and is also promoting its "Cool Share" campaign aimed at getting people together in air-conditioned common spaces including commercial facilities and cafes. It is also encouraging people to use "green curtains" by growing shade-producing plants.
Although it is not compulsory, if we reduce the use of air conditioning, we will be able to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions," said Shinji Isobe, head of the ministry's lifestyle policy office.
Private companies such as supermarkets and department stores also joined the initiative to combat global warming, with some planning to offer new fashion styles to help people spend the summer more comfortably.
Source: Kazinform News Agency
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
Kazakhstan and European Union Committed to Further Expanding Strategic Partnership
On the margins of the ministerial meeting dedicated to advancing the agenda of infrastructure connectivity between the countries of Central Asia, the Eastern Partnership, Türkiye, and the European Union, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arman Issetov held meetings with Vice-President of the European Commission - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, and EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the conversations, the parties expressed their satisfaction with the multifaceted and dynamically developing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union, which is built on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests.
This progress has been facilitated by the practical implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union and its member states.
This December marks the 10th anniversary of the EPCA, which has brought Kazakhstan - EU relations to a qualitatively new level. It was underlined that among the 29 areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement, Astana and Brussels are jointly implementing shared priorities in the fields of transport and logistics, critical raw materials, green energy, digital transformation, agriculture, education, and science.
Deputy Minister Issetov noted that strengthening bilateral cooperation contributes to the development of cross-regional interaction between the Central Asian countries and the European Union. In this context, he emphasized the importance of the effective implementation of the agreements reached at the "CA - EU" Summit held in Samarkand last April.
The Kazakh diplomat also briefed his counterparts on the main directions of reforms in Kazakhstan, as outlined in the September State-of-the-Nation Address by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, titled "Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Current Challenges and Solutions through Digital Transformation".
The parties also discussed the schedule of upcoming joint international events at the high and highest levels, including the forthcoming visit by EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais to Astana.
Following the meeting, the sides agreed to continue their dialogue and advance joint projects across all areas of the Kazakhstan - EU partnership.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Held a Meeting with the Director-General of the FAO
Images | gov.kz
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev met with Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Qu Dongyu during his working visit to Italy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the Kazakh Foreign Minister congratulated his counterpart on the Organization’s 80th anniversary, noting its contribution to global food security and sustainable agricultural development.
Minister Kosherbayev emphasized that joint projects have already been launched within the framework of the Partnership Program between Kazakhstan and FAO, and expressed readiness to further expand cooperation in this area.
The parties discussed ways to promote cooperation and considered the possibility of establishing a second partnership program in the field of water resources.
At the end of the meeting, Minister Kosherbayev and Director-General Qu Dongyu took part in the official opening of the "Kazakhstan" Room at FAO headquarters, which is a multifunctional space, open to all member states and the Organization’s Secretariat.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister noted that this event marks an important milestone in the development of close and fruitful cooperation between Kazakhstan and FAO, which began when the country joined the Organization in 1997.
In recent years, our interaction with FAO, including within the framework of the Kazakhstan-FAO Partnership Program, has enabled us to ensure broad cooperation in key sectors. The opening of this hall is not just a gesture of goodwill, but also a clear demonstration of our commitment to the common goals and principles of multilateral cooperation," said Minister Kosherbayev.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry Discussed Prospects for Developing Cooperation with Cyprus
Images | gov.kz
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to Kazakhstan Petros Nacouzis, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
During the meeting the parties discussed current issues of the bilateral agenda as well as prospects for further strengthening Kazakh-Cypriot cooperation.
The sides noted the positive dynamics of relations and expressed their readiness to implement joint projects in the fields of transport and logistics, information technologies, financial services, and tourism. Particular attention was paid to expanding humanitarian and educational exchanges, as well as cooperation in the legal sphere.
Arman Issetov emphasized that Cyprus is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union and expressed Astana’s readiness to actively cooperate with Nicosia within the frameworks of the EU, the UN, and the OSCE.
Petros Nacouzis reaffirmed the Cypriot side’s intention to further contribute to strengthening multilateral ties, including enhancing business contacts and promoting cultural initiatives.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the interlocutors agreed to continue regular dialogue and maintain the momentum of contacts at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan Strengthen Cooperation in Healthcare
Images | gov.kz
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, held a meeting with the Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan, Syed Mustafa, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for the development of cooperation in the field of healthcare, in particular in the pharmaceutical industry, the production of surgical instruments and medical education.
As a result of the negotiations, an agreement was reached to hold a series of consultations in order to identify specific areas of cooperation in the near future.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.