(▶) State of the World

December 7, 2021 10 am JST / December 6, 2021 8 pm EST

Ian Bremmer’s view of the ‘State of the World’ outlines the geopolitical events shaping politics, business, and society. Mr. Bremmer’s speech will address the ‘technopolar moment’ – a consideration of how the geopolitical influence among tech giants is rising steadily and how this evolving dynamic will reshape the global order. How are nonstate actors increasingly shaping global geopolitics? Is the digital realm growing beyond the reach of regulators? 

State of the World by Ian Bremmer
 

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(▶) Long-COVID: How can Asia’s businesses and economies grow amid ongoing disruptions?

December 8, 2021 10 am JST / December 7, 2021 8pm ET

Before the Delta variant took hold, Asia was on track to lead a global economic recovery. The region had navigated COVID-19 relatively well and was forecast to grow at over 4%. The reimagined TPP–the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)–was also contributing to optimism about the region’s growth prospects. Yet port closures and shuttered factories have hit trade and led the World Bank to revise its growth forecast down to 2.5%. And though there is hope that the CPTPP will boost trade, the US’ absence remains a notable drawback to its potential. In this session, panelists will examine Asia’s trade and economic prospects in the near future, addressing big questions about the region’s growth trajectory, investment trends, policy shifts, and innovations that could reinvigorate Asian economies. 

Opening Remarks

• KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister, Japan

Keynote Interview

• HAGIUDA Koichi, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Japan

Macro & Micro: The Impact of COVID-19 trade disruptions

• Deborah ELMS, Founder and Executive Director, Asian Trade Centre
• David GORDON, Former Chairman, Eurasia Group
• Alicia GARCIA HERRERO, Chief Economist, APAC, Natixis

Lessons learned: The business perspective on COVID-19

• Eric SCHMIDT, Former CEO and Chairman, Google
• TV NARENDRAN, Global CEO and Managing Director, Tata Steel
• SAKURADA Kengo, Chairman, Keizai Doyukai & Group CEO, Director, President, and Representative Executive Officer of SOMPO Holdings Inc.

11:10 am JST | Closing remarks
 

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(▶) Resiliency beyond COVID-19: Can Japan lead the way?

December 9, 2021 10 am JST / December 8, 2021 8pm ET

This panel takes a long, hard look at what countries are doing to build more resilient health systems, promote environmental sustainability, foster inclusive growth and development, and improve the lives of people across all wealth classes. Panelists will evaluate how well countries have risen to the challenges that COVID-19 has created and crystalized and debate what role Japan can play as a leader in the region. The session will also examine new and innovative technologies, policies, and collaborations in and beyond Japan to help steer the global health, sustainability, development, and security agendas.

Opening Remarks

• TOKURA Masakazu, Chairman, Keidanren and Chairman of the Board, Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited

Spotlight Interview: Asia’s role in tackling global challenges

• Kevin RUDD, 26th Prime Minister, Australia
• Ian BREMMER, President and Founder, Eurasia Group & GZERO Media

Panel discussion: Health-security beyond COVID-19

• Lovisa AFZELIUS, Origination Partner, Flagship Pioneering 
• KASHIWAKURA Mihoko, Head of Japan Relations, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Ian BREMMER, President and Founder, Eurasia Group & GZERO Media

Greetings from Tokyo: Towards a Sustainable Future

• KOIKE Yuriko, Governer of Tokyo

Green Growth, Sustainability, and ESG

• ISOGAI Yuki, Partner and Technical Lead, Sustainability Center of Excellence, PwC Japan 
• NIINAMI Takeshi, CEO, Suntory
• NAKAO Takehiko, Chairman, Mizuho Research & Technologies and Former President, Asian Development Bank 
• Ian BREMMER, President and Founder, Eurasia Group & GZERO Media

11:15 am JST | Closing remarks