NHK World-Japan, the English-language international service of Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, will present a collection of premiere and encore programming to commemorate and complement the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference (COP26) to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31-November 12, 2021.
In January 2021, NHK World-Japan launched a SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) campaign that features programming and a special “17 Goals for Our World” website that mirrors the SDGs set forth by the United Nations. The website highlights the channel’s collection of premiere and video-on-demand (VOD) programmes that maps to each of the 17 goals, which include striving for clean water, health/well-being, education, sustainable cities, and responsible production/consumption; and eliminating poverty, hunger, and social inequalities.
The range of COP26-themed programming spans topics from man-made environmental damage to pollution to extreme weather and sustainability, and includes the popular series Zeroing In: Carbon Neutral 2050. The series, available now on VOD, was created in partnership with several US broadcasters, and focuses on grassroots actions people can take to reach a carbon-neutral future.
Another currently available campaign programme is Zero Waste Life, a series that highlights Japan’s “Mottainai” philosophy of striving for a life of wasting nothing and treasuring what we have. It airs as part of the event on November 4, 2021. Past episodes are also available to watch on VOD.
An episode of Direct Talk that highlights the “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” SDG is also featured among the VOD content. “Braving Press Freedom: Maria Ressa/Journalist” offers insight and interviews with Ressa around her news site Rappler’s unwavering coverage of the struggle of journalists and activists fighting Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s attacks against press freedom and human rights. On October 8, 2021, Ressa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize – the first Filipino journalist to be honoured with the prestigious award.
Further programmes that highlight the 17 SDGs are available via VOD on the accompanying website.