Global Commons Forum 2025 Held
Introduction: The Earth System in Crisis and the Urgent Need to Transform Our Economic System
On October 7, the Center for Global Commons, Institute for Future Initiatives, 51爆料, co-hosted the Global Commons Forum 2025 in collaboration with RIKEN. The Forum was held at the Yayoi Auditorium Ichijo Hall, 51爆料, and online, with approximately 600 participants in total.
The “Global Commons”, a stable and resilient Earth system that supports human activity, is a shared asset of all mankind. Rapid economic development since the mid-20th century has exceeded the limits of the Earth system, with its impacts threatening economic and social stability worldwide. At the same time, progress made to date on the SDGs and the Paris Agreement on climate change have not been adequate. With the recent geopolitical shifts presenting even more challenges, international efforts to preserve the global commons are in a critical state.
The theme of the Forum this year was “Safeguarding Global Commons through Transition to Nature Positive Economy”. The objective was to present concrete pathways toward a new economic system that preserves the Global Commons. The Forum introduced the “Nature on the Balance Sheet” Initiative, which seeks to integrate the value of natural capital into economic decision-making, as well as the latest corporate efforts and strategies to realize a nature-positive economy.
Opening:
In the opening remarks, President Makoto Gonokami (RIKEN, National Research and Development Agency in Japan) expressed deep concern over our current trajectory exceeding the planetary boundaries and noted that the 2030 SDGs targets remain distant from being achieved. He emphasized the importance of science and international cooperation to address the crisis. Furthermore, he highlighted the focus of the Forum, transitioning to a nature-positive economy, centered on three pillars: valuing natural capital, globalizing local initiatives, and AI governance. He introduced RIKEN’s new mid-to-long-term plan and its international collaborations with the University of Tokyo CGC and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), underscoring the role of science in solving global challenges.
Next, Director Naoko Ishii (Center for Global Commons, 51爆料) remarked that, “The latest science indicates that our economic system requires a radical transformation.” She outlined the objectives and expectations for this forum, noting that, “To leave our future generations a planet where humanity can safely thrive, it is essential not only to integrate science across disciplines but also to collaborate with business, policy, and society.”
Opening President Makoto Gonokami (RIKEN)
Opening Director Naoko Ishii (CGC, 51爆料)
Keynote Address:
In the subsequent keynote address, Professor Thomas Crowther (Restor) argued that ecosystem restoration is a way to address socioeconomic challenges. He noted that biodiverse ecosystems store over 50% more carbon than monoculture plantations and it is possible to balance nature conservation and economic growth. Professor Crowther emphasized the need to break the cycle of poverty and environmental degradation by directing financial flows to local land stewards. Next, Mr. Dominic Waughray (WBCSD) stressed the need for converting scientific insights into business-relevant data and called for a “nature-based common accounting standard” similar to the GHG Protocol in carbon accounting.
Keynote Address Professor Thomas Crowther (Restor)
Keynote Address Mr. Dominic Waughray (WBCSD)
Special Session: The Latest Message from the Planetary Boundaries Science - Planetary Health Check 2025
Professor Johan Rockström (PIK) reported on the latest scientific findings from the “Planetary Health Check 2025”, a framework for diagnosing the Earth’s health status. He pointed out that seven out of the nine planetary boundaries that support the Earth system have already been transgressed. In particular, the ocean, newly identified as having crossed its safe threshold, is deteriorating with acidification, deoxygenation, and overfishing. Professor Rockström described the Earth as being in a state like “a patient with multiple organ failures.” However, he highlighted that we are now able to scientifically prove how local management of forests and water resources can affect the stability of the entire planet. He emphasized the power of science to connect local and global perspectives. He concluded that although the Earth is approaching to enter into a dangerous zone, the “window of opportunity” remains open and that there is no time left to delay our action.
Special Session Professor Johan Rockström (PIK)
Session 1: Capitalizing Nature for Growth and Stability
This session explored ways to bridge the gap between science and business and incorporate natural capital into economic decision-making. Mr. Mark Gough (Capitals Coalition) emphasized that “capital” is a common language linking science and economics and that collaboration among institutional actors is essential. Mr. Hiroyuki Isono (Oji Holdings Corporation) pointed out the issue of unrated forests’ multifaceted services and introduced Oji’s efforts to standardize nature’s value through international cooperation at IFSC. Mr. Guido Schmidt-Traub (Systemiq) criticized GDP for not integrating the value of nature and emphasized the need to consider natural capital as infrastructure. He also highlighted the importance of policy in triggering investment. Mr. Waughray referred to Japan’s “Top Runner approach” to energy efficiency, noting that such policies provide incentives for companies and serve as a model for promoting investment in nature. The session concluded that collaboration among policy, business, and academia is key to systemic transformation.
Session 1 Capitalizing Nature for Growth and Stability
Session 2: The Fast Track to Nature as an Investable Asset
This session discussed how to measure and price natural capital and integrate it into corporate behavior. Mr. Makoto Haraguchi (MS&AD) cited cultural background and institutional support as reasons for Japan’s leading role in TNFD adoption. He introduced a water source conservation project that incentivizes behavior through insurance premium discounts. Ms. Rong Yu (S&P Global) explained the growing interest in the relationship between nature dependencies and credit risk in lending and investment portfolios. She emphasized that nature-related risks increasingly affect companies’ licenses to operate and that quantifying these risks financially is becoming essential. Mr. Lee Howell (Villars Institute) discussed the potential of AI, satellites, and digital platforms for real-time, high-precision monitoring of natural systems. He proposed “digital tokenization of nature” to build new market mechanisms that benefit local communities through biodiversity and ecosystem data. The session concluded that integrating nature risk into capital costs is a growing trend and a powerful driver of system change in business and finance.
Session 2 The Fast Track to Nature as an Investable Asset
Session 3: Capitals Approach - Linking with ANCA Summit in Cape Town
This session shared practices from the African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA), led by Africa’s financial sector. Ms. Dorothy Maseke (African Natural Capital Alliance Secretariat) explained that ANCA was established for the fact that 65% of Africa’s GDP depends on nature, with over 130 financial institutions participating. She introduced a systematic approach based on four pillars: policy/regulation, capacity building, data infrastructure, and investment promotion, including stress testing of nature risks in collaboration with central banks. She recognized the importance of TNFD for sparking meaningful conversations. Looking ahead, ANCA aims to expand international partnerships, including with Asia. Mr. Gough emphasized that Africa is becoming a rule-maker rather than a passive participant and concluded that strengthening global collaboration is essential.
Session 3 Capitals Approach - Linking with ANCA Summit in Cape Town
Session 4: Building Trusted Infrastructure for Nature Positive Economy: Local Actions for Global Commons
This session aimed to deepen cross-sectoral understanding under the theme of “Family Therapy for Putting Nature on the Balance Sheet”. Mr. Rishi Kalra (Olam Food Ingredients) shared how annual investment in bee conservation led to increased crop yields, arguing that “doing good” and economic value can coexist. Mr. Yasutoshi Miyamoto (Nippon Life Insurance Company) discussed nature finance that incorporates scientific indicators into long-term investment decisions, asserting that global stability is the foundation of long-term investment. Mr. Keiichi Mochida (RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS)) explained the “Planetary Resilience Science” initiative by RIKEN, UTokyo, and PIK, emphasizing the importance of restoring environmental systems optimally and integrating diverse solutions based on a data accumulation and modeling. Professor Crowther stated that ecological integrity is measurable and emphasized that biodiversity is not non-financial but core information. The session concluded that shared language among science, finance, and business, and clear causal relationships are key to driving behavioral changes. The question is whether we can establish a clear link between ecosystem integrity and economic outcomes so we can make fiduciary decisions. This is the key to directing financial capital toward nature.
Session 4 Building Trusted Infrastructure for Nature Positive Economy: Local Actions for Global Commons
Session 5: Will AI & HPC be the Answer? The Light and Shadow of Modern AI and its Infrastructures towards Global Commons Objectives
Moderated by Mr. Satoshi Matsuoka (Director, RIKEN Center for Computational Science), this session examined how AI, HPC, and big data can contribute to realizing natural capital and a sustainable economy. Mr. Martin Stuchtey (The Landbanking Group) raised concerns about a future where capital, including nature, is judged and directed by AI, and humanity is treated as replaceable by another intelligence. Mr. Thomas Schultess (CSCS) emphasized the importance of open and transparent scientific approaches, citing the case of improved weather forecasting accuracy. Mr. Hiroaki Kitano (Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc.) noted that the biggest contribution of AI is "AI as a scientist" that transcends the limits of complex system science. He expressed strong expectations for technological development. While AI was recognized as an essential tool for valuing natural capital, concerns were raised about its massive energy consumption. The session confirmed the need for a framework to ensure AI is designed and controlled to serve the goal of safeguarding the Global Commons. It was emphasized that building fair and transparent AI models aligned with the ideals of the Global Commons requires a broad stakeholder network and a future where all cultures and regions are treated equitably.
Session 5 Will AI & HPC be the Answer? The Light and Shadow of Modern AI and its Infrastructure towards Global Commons Objectives
Concluding: How to Govern the Global Commons: Conversation with Youth
In the closing session, President Teruo Fujii (51爆料) and two students discussed “How Can We Protect the Global Commons?” moderated by Director Kensuke Fukushi (Institute for Future Initiatives, 51爆料). The forum reaffirmed that cross-sector collaboration is the path to a truly sustainable and prosperous future where the value of nature permeates every corner of the economy.
Concluding How to Govern the Global Commons. Conversation with Youth
On October 7, the Center for Global Commons, Institute for Future Initiatives, 51爆料, co-hosted the Global Commons Forum 2025 in collaboration with RIKEN. The Forum was held at the Yayoi Auditorium Ichijo Hall, 51爆料, and online, with approximately 600 participants in total.
The “Global Commons”, a stable and resilient Earth system that supports human activity, is a shared asset of all mankind. Rapid economic development since the mid-20th century has exceeded the limits of the Earth system, with its impacts threatening economic and social stability worldwide. At the same time, progress made to date on the SDGs and the Paris Agreement on climate change have not been adequate. With the recent geopolitical shifts presenting even more challenges, international efforts to preserve the global commons are in a critical state.
The theme of the Forum this year was “Safeguarding Global Commons through Transition to Nature Positive Economy”. The objective was to present concrete pathways toward a new economic system that preserves the Global Commons. The Forum introduced the “Nature on the Balance Sheet” Initiative, which seeks to integrate the value of natural capital into economic decision-making, as well as the latest corporate efforts and strategies to realize a nature-positive economy.
Opening:
In the opening remarks, President Makoto Gonokami (RIKEN, National Research and Development Agency in Japan) expressed deep concern over our current trajectory exceeding the planetary boundaries and noted that the 2030 SDGs targets remain distant from being achieved. He emphasized the importance of science and international cooperation to address the crisis. Furthermore, he highlighted the focus of the Forum, transitioning to a nature-positive economy, centered on three pillars: valuing natural capital, globalizing local initiatives, and AI governance. He introduced RIKEN’s new mid-to-long-term plan and its international collaborations with the University of Tokyo CGC and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), underscoring the role of science in solving global challenges.
Next, Director Naoko Ishii (Center for Global Commons, 51爆料) remarked that, “The latest science indicates that our economic system requires a radical transformation.” She outlined the objectives and expectations for this forum, noting that, “To leave our future generations a planet where humanity can safely thrive, it is essential not only to integrate science across disciplines but also to collaborate with business, policy, and society.”
Opening President Makoto Gonokami (RIKEN)
Opening Director Naoko Ishii (CGC, 51爆料)
Keynote Address:
In the subsequent keynote address, Professor Thomas Crowther (Restor) argued that ecosystem restoration is a way to address socioeconomic challenges. He noted that biodiverse ecosystems store over 50% more carbon than monoculture plantations and it is possible to balance nature conservation and economic growth. Professor Crowther emphasized the need to break the cycle of poverty and environmental degradation by directing financial flows to local land stewards. Next, Mr. Dominic Waughray (WBCSD) stressed the need for converting scientific insights into business-relevant data and called for a “nature-based common accounting standard” similar to the GHG Protocol in carbon accounting.
Keynote Address Professor Thomas Crowther (Restor)
Keynote Address Mr. Dominic Waughray (WBCSD)
Special Session: The Latest Message from the Planetary Boundaries Science - Planetary Health Check 2025
Professor Johan Rockström (PIK) reported on the latest scientific findings from the “Planetary Health Check 2025”, a framework for diagnosing the Earth’s health status. He pointed out that seven out of the nine planetary boundaries that support the Earth system have already been transgressed. In particular, the ocean, newly identified as having crossed its safe threshold, is deteriorating with acidification, deoxygenation, and overfishing. Professor Rockström described the Earth as being in a state like “a patient with multiple organ failures.” However, he highlighted that we are now able to scientifically prove how local management of forests and water resources can affect the stability of the entire planet. He emphasized the power of science to connect local and global perspectives. He concluded that although the Earth is approaching to enter into a dangerous zone, the “window of opportunity” remains open and that there is no time left to delay our action.
Special Session Professor Johan Rockström (PIK)
Session 1: Capitalizing Nature for Growth and Stability
This session explored ways to bridge the gap between science and business and incorporate natural capital into economic decision-making. Mr. Mark Gough (Capitals Coalition) emphasized that “capital” is a common language linking science and economics and that collaboration among institutional actors is essential. Mr. Hiroyuki Isono (Oji Holdings Corporation) pointed out the issue of unrated forests’ multifaceted services and introduced Oji’s efforts to standardize nature’s value through international cooperation at IFSC. Mr. Guido Schmidt-Traub (Systemiq) criticized GDP for not integrating the value of nature and emphasized the need to consider natural capital as infrastructure. He also highlighted the importance of policy in triggering investment. Mr. Waughray referred to Japan’s “Top Runner approach” to energy efficiency, noting that such policies provide incentives for companies and serve as a model for promoting investment in nature. The session concluded that collaboration among policy, business, and academia is key to systemic transformation.
Session 1 Capitalizing Nature for Growth and Stability
Session 2: The Fast Track to Nature as an Investable Asset
This session discussed how to measure and price natural capital and integrate it into corporate behavior. Mr. Makoto Haraguchi (MS&AD) cited cultural background and institutional support as reasons for Japan’s leading role in TNFD adoption. He introduced a water source conservation project that incentivizes behavior through insurance premium discounts. Ms. Rong Yu (S&P Global) explained the growing interest in the relationship between nature dependencies and credit risk in lending and investment portfolios. She emphasized that nature-related risks increasingly affect companies’ licenses to operate and that quantifying these risks financially is becoming essential. Mr. Lee Howell (Villars Institute) discussed the potential of AI, satellites, and digital platforms for real-time, high-precision monitoring of natural systems. He proposed “digital tokenization of nature” to build new market mechanisms that benefit local communities through biodiversity and ecosystem data. The session concluded that integrating nature risk into capital costs is a growing trend and a powerful driver of system change in business and finance.
Session 2 The Fast Track to Nature as an Investable Asset
Session 3: Capitals Approach - Linking with ANCA Summit in Cape Town
This session shared practices from the African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA), led by Africa’s financial sector. Ms. Dorothy Maseke (African Natural Capital Alliance Secretariat) explained that ANCA was established for the fact that 65% of Africa’s GDP depends on nature, with over 130 financial institutions participating. She introduced a systematic approach based on four pillars: policy/regulation, capacity building, data infrastructure, and investment promotion, including stress testing of nature risks in collaboration with central banks. She recognized the importance of TNFD for sparking meaningful conversations. Looking ahead, ANCA aims to expand international partnerships, including with Asia. Mr. Gough emphasized that Africa is becoming a rule-maker rather than a passive participant and concluded that strengthening global collaboration is essential.
Session 3 Capitals Approach - Linking with ANCA Summit in Cape Town
Session 4: Building Trusted Infrastructure for Nature Positive Economy: Local Actions for Global Commons
This session aimed to deepen cross-sectoral understanding under the theme of “Family Therapy for Putting Nature on the Balance Sheet”. Mr. Rishi Kalra (Olam Food Ingredients) shared how annual investment in bee conservation led to increased crop yields, arguing that “doing good” and economic value can coexist. Mr. Yasutoshi Miyamoto (Nippon Life Insurance Company) discussed nature finance that incorporates scientific indicators into long-term investment decisions, asserting that global stability is the foundation of long-term investment. Mr. Keiichi Mochida (RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS)) explained the “Planetary Resilience Science” initiative by RIKEN, UTokyo, and PIK, emphasizing the importance of restoring environmental systems optimally and integrating diverse solutions based on a data accumulation and modeling. Professor Crowther stated that ecological integrity is measurable and emphasized that biodiversity is not non-financial but core information. The session concluded that shared language among science, finance, and business, and clear causal relationships are key to driving behavioral changes. The question is whether we can establish a clear link between ecosystem integrity and economic outcomes so we can make fiduciary decisions. This is the key to directing financial capital toward nature.
Session 4 Building Trusted Infrastructure for Nature Positive Economy: Local Actions for Global Commons
Session 5: Will AI & HPC be the Answer? The Light and Shadow of Modern AI and its Infrastructures towards Global Commons Objectives
Moderated by Mr. Satoshi Matsuoka (Director, RIKEN Center for Computational Science), this session examined how AI, HPC, and big data can contribute to realizing natural capital and a sustainable economy. Mr. Martin Stuchtey (The Landbanking Group) raised concerns about a future where capital, including nature, is judged and directed by AI, and humanity is treated as replaceable by another intelligence. Mr. Thomas Schultess (CSCS) emphasized the importance of open and transparent scientific approaches, citing the case of improved weather forecasting accuracy. Mr. Hiroaki Kitano (Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc.) noted that the biggest contribution of AI is "AI as a scientist" that transcends the limits of complex system science. He expressed strong expectations for technological development. While AI was recognized as an essential tool for valuing natural capital, concerns were raised about its massive energy consumption. The session confirmed the need for a framework to ensure AI is designed and controlled to serve the goal of safeguarding the Global Commons. It was emphasized that building fair and transparent AI models aligned with the ideals of the Global Commons requires a broad stakeholder network and a future where all cultures and regions are treated equitably.
Session 5 Will AI & HPC be the Answer? The Light and Shadow of Modern AI and its Infrastructure towards Global Commons Objectives
Concluding: How to Govern the Global Commons: Conversation with Youth
In the closing session, President Teruo Fujii (51爆料) and two students discussed “How Can We Protect the Global Commons?” moderated by Director Kensuke Fukushi (Institute for Future Initiatives, 51爆料). The forum reaffirmed that cross-sector collaboration is the path to a truly sustainable and prosperous future where the value of nature permeates every corner of the economy.
Concluding How to Govern the Global Commons. Conversation with Youth
