DEVNET Japan Advisor Mitsuhei Murata (Former Japanese Ambassador to Switzerland)
In the face of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, is prayer our only recourse? In these critical times, we must reflect on the history of humanity. Throughout our existence, we have repeatedly faced threats to our species, yet each time we have overcome them through innovation and solidarity. From ice ages to pandemics, from world wars to natural disasters, our ancestors have surmounted countless challenges to build the civilization we have today.
From this historical perspective, we should be able to solve our current problems. The key lies in the development of science and technology grounded in ethical principles. Regarding nuclear power, instead of simple withdrawal, we should focus on developing new technologies that dramatically improve safety and efficiency. For instance, next- generation nuclear technologies such as fusion and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have the potential to significantly address current issues.
Simultaneously, we need to invest in the further proliferation and efficiency of renewable energy, innovate energy storage technologies, and advance energy-saving techniques. Through these efforts, we should be able to secure energy safety while being mindful of the environment.
Of course, technological development alone is not sufficient. The establishment of universal ethics is essential. These universal ethics refer to values that balance the prosperity of all humanity with the preservation of the global environment. They encompass elements such as the dignity of life, mutual understanding, harmony with the environment, and responsibility towards future generations.
There has been a tendency to prioritize values based on power and competition over those emphasizing harmony and coexistence. However, faced with global challenges, we now need to construct a new civilization based on new values.
In forming this new civilization, the role of women is crucial. The unique perspectives, values, and sensibilities of women will form the foundation of the new civilization we aim to create. Currently, there is an acceleration of movements worldwide to harness women’s power.
For example, WINNER, a women’s entrepreneurship development and support organization promoted by DEVNET, is an important initiative bringing women’s perspectives and values to the business world.
The recent earthquake in the Noto Peninsula has reminded us of the importance of preparedness for natural disasters. However, this does not indicate the limitations of science and technology, but rather suggests the need for further technological innovation. Going forward, we need to strengthen disaster prevention and mitigation efforts utilizing science and technology, such as improving earthquake prediction technology and developing disaster-resistant infrastructure. We must apply the lessons learned from the Noto Peninsula earthquake, combining science, technology,
and human wisdom to prepare for the unprecedented crises we may face in the
future.
Lastly, I would like to point out that artificial intelligence may play a crucial role in promoting the transition to this new civilization. AI has the capacity to support complex ethical judgments and propose innovative solutions to global problems. By combining human wisdom, especially the wisdom of women, with the power of AI, couldn’t we build a truly sustainable and ethical civilization?
I hope this question can serve as a starting point for future discussions.
I believe that humanity will surely overcome the current crisis and build a better future.