Policy Speech by the Governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko, at the Fourth Regular Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, 2022

In opening the fourth regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2022, I wish to relate my basic stance on future metropolitan administration.

1. Foreword

In the IMD World Competitiveness Rankings released by this Swiss business school in June, Japan ranked 34th, its lowest ever. And in the recent ranking of stocks by market capitalization, only one Japanese company made it into the top 100.This situation must be taken seriously.

Meanwhile, Tokyo has an abundance of nature and a sophisticated urban environment; companies, universities, research institutions and other organizations that possess world-class technology; and an accumulation of knowledge that has been passed down the ages since the Edo period. Our future depends on whether we can take concrete action that makes the most of these potentials.

As the age is now at a historical turning point, it is now time to realign our posture. It’s game-changing time. If Tokyo, the capital, changes, Japan will also change. As a big wave sweeps over the world, we will courageously take up the challenge of evolving into a city that generates new value.

2. Ensuring the safety and security that supports the city in taking on new challenges

First, allow me to speak about safety and security, which, above all else, are essential to forming the foundation for all of a city’s activities. From consumer activities deeply engrained in daily life to preparations for a major disaster that could occur at any time, we will take firm steps to ensure that Tokyo is on solid footing so that the city and its people can take on new challenges.

Responding to soaring prices

In October, the consumer price index rose 3.6 percent, the highest jump in 40 years. As the livelihoods of the people of Tokyo and activities of businesses are being pushed to the brink, strategic thinking is needed to find a solution. For example, with the price of imported food and ingredients currently soaring, now is the time to make greater use of rice which has always been a staple of the Japanese diet. In addition to providing support to those who have fallen on hard financial times by providing them with rice and vegetables raised in Japan, we will also capitalize on the Japanese food boom overseas to help establish markets abroad for food items produced in Tokyo. Conversely, we will use the weak yen to further propel Tokyo’s ability to generate earnings such as by encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises that have expanded abroad to return to the domestic market.

Furthermore, this winter’s power supply-demand balance remains very tight, making it necessary for us to prepare for a possible emergency. We have designated today through the end of March of next year as the “Winter HTT Promotion Period” to encourage all of the people and businesses of Tokyo to conserve electricity. By taking the lead in implementing “Warm Biz” practices which contribute to saving energy, including keeping rooms at reasonable temperatures and encouraging people to dress warmly, at the offices of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, we will grow the circle of support for efforts. We will ensure that the HTT initiative, which encourages everyone to save, generate, and store electricity, becomes even more firmly established by partnering with neighboring local governments and various related organizations to urge people to incorporate the initiative into their daily lives, among other efforts.

Strengthening infection prevention measures in the lead-up to the year end and New Year

Now, let’s move on to COVID-19. With an eye to the year-end and New Year’s period, a time when the movement of people becomes brisk nationwide, it is important that we take steps ahead of time. As COVID-19 continues to spread, and taking into consideration the possibility of a COVID-19 and seasonal flu “twindemic,” we are working to build up systems to ensure that those who need health care can obtain the care they need with certainty. To enhance the accommodation of elderly people who are at high risk for developing serious symptoms, today, we will open four additional facilities in the special-ward and Tama areas to accept those in need of a high level of nursing care. The facilities will treat COVID-19 and provide nursing care and rehabilitation, with the aim to have patients smoothly transition back to everyday life once they have recovered. To ensure that people feel safe while recovering at home, we will greatly expand the handling capabilities of the Tokyo COVID Patients Registration Center and make certain that people are connected to the appropriate type of support. We will also enhance consultation systems for individuals with a fever. Last week, Japan’s first domestically produced COVID-19 oral medication, for which Tokyo also provided support for clinical trials, was approved for use. With more treatment options now available for those with mild or moderate symptoms, this should surely have a positive effect as we advance COVID-19 countermeasures.

Moreover, the key to enjoying a more active winter this year is getting vaccinated. In addition to making the Omicron booster available on a walk-in basis at mass vaccination centers operated by the TMG, we have also increased COVID-19 vaccination opportunities for children between the ages of six months and four years old. I request your cooperation once again in firmly applying the three strategies we are employing to fight this virus. First, be proactive and get vaccinated. Second, implement protective measures by taking steps to prevent the spread of infection. And, third, always be prepared by having a supply of test kits and fever medication on hand.

Strengthening Tokyo Metropolitan Government systems to lay a solid foundation for welfare, health care, and medical care services

Two years and ten months have passed since COVID-19 was first confirmed in Japan. To ensure that we fully leverage the precious wisdom that we have gained from this battle to date and continue to handle matters in an agile manner with an eye to the future, there is not only the need to promote the digital shift, but also to make additional strategic preparations, including reviewing the way in which local health centers function.

Meanwhile, in addition to the aging population and declining birthrate, which have further progressed, we are seeing other changes in society, including an increased number of consultations related to child abuse and heightened momentum toward realizing an inclusive society. In light of these shifts, there is an even stronger need for us to respond to the needs of Tokyo citizens in a careful and detailed manner. To squarely face such challenges and lay a solid foundation for welfare, health care, and medical care services that will last well into the future, we have decided to review the organization of the Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health.

While ensuring that the many assets cultivated by the bureau, including its coordination of functions that straddle policy fields, are maintained, the health care and medical care division and the welfare division will be made independent of one another, becoming two new bureaus that can demonstrate high levels of specialization and agility. With the aim to implement the reorganization and establishment in July of next year, preparations are being advanced so that an ordinance can be proposed at the first regular session of the metropolitan assembly early next year.

Realizing a resilient city

Next, in October, Auxiliary Route No. 26, a designated route for improvement developed to serve as a firebreak, opened to traffic in Mishuku, Setagaya-ku. We are steadily advancing the development of Tokyo’s infrastructure network to make it a more resilient city, including starting construction of an underground regulating reservoir in the area of the upper Shakujii River, which straddles Nishitokyo and Musashino cities. Meanwhile, the ferocity of natural disasters knows no boundaries. The words “only observed once every few decades” and “the highest ever recorded” are used again and again in news reports almost every year to describe occurrences of natural disasters. We will review our existing disaster preparedness measures from the ground up and formulate the Tokyo Resiliency Project within the year to upgrade both structural and non-structural measures, and firmly protect the lives and livelihoods of Tokyo citizens. Disaster preparedness is supported by three pillars: self-support, mutual support, and public support. Only when these three elements work in unison can their true value be demonstrated. This can also be illustrated by the experience of the Great Kanto Earthquake, which will mark its centennial next year. By valuing and carrying on the wisdom of our predecessors and uniting Tokyo to advance the resiliency project, we will build a strong city that will not succumb to the threats that it faces.

 3. The power of people is the largest force driving the city’s evolution

Power is generated when people can be active in ways that suit them, with everyone understanding and respecting each other. This is the engine driving Tokyo’s further development into a more abundant city. We will build a Tokyo that enhances the power of people, draws out the power of people, and where each person takes on the title role.

Investment in children who hold the future in their hands

Children truly hold our future in their hands. Japan’s total fertility rate last year was 1.3. In Tokyo, this has gone down to 1.08, approaching its lowest ever. According to the preliminary figures released by the national government last week, this year’s number of births is currently lower than last year’s, which was the lowest in recorded history, with it even said that estimates put it at below 800,000 births, the lowest annual total ever. The population is the most basic element of a state. We cannot help but be concerned that if the birthrate continues to drop, our national power will also decline. It is the role of government to prepare an environment where anyone who wishes can have children and raise them easily. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been taking the lead even over the national government in providing active support to residents for pregnancy, giving birth, and raising children. We will continue to study bold improvement and expansion of policies that cross over bureau jurisdictions, and directly address this issue.

Providing our children, who are full of possibilities, with rich learning and experience is the greatest investment in the future that we should make. Experiences in the preschool days, when toddlers absorb everything like a sponge, are extremely important for them to gain self-esteem and social skills, which are indispensable for healthy growth. So that all children can cultivate the precious strength they need to navigate the long years ahead in their lives, we will work to substantially improve measures to support their growth, such as schemes to provide a variety of experiences.

Enhancing English language education

Even today, when we can easily connect globally, English, the international language, is one infrastructure that determines the national power of a country. If the capital city of Tokyo, surrounded by the comfortable wall of the Japanese language, becomes introverted, it will only lose its international competitiveness. We must fully integrate this valuable infrastructure that connects us to the world. I wish for children who will be living in the future to not only use English as a tool, but to gain a rich global mindset and broaden their possibilities for the future. In metropolitan high schools, we will put strength into sending students to various regions abroad, and expand their opportunities to come in contact with different cultures, something that can only be achieved by actually being there. This month we will also open a portal site for learning where students can come in touch with real English anytime, anywhere. While disseminating information about Tokyo’s international education initiatives, centering on online study materials, we will firmly cultivate the power of students to shape their own future, such as preparing an environment where they can take the initiative in learning English.

Sending out the next generation of top runners from Tokyo metropolitan technical high schools

Starting from the next fiscal year, Tokyo metropolitan technical high schools will take a first step to the next stage, changing their name from kogyo to koka. In order to send out personnel for digital transformation, for whom all industries have high expectations, we will begin renewing the curriculum to offer advanced classes that meet the needs of the age, such as robotics, food science, and urban disaster risk reduction technology. Three years of learning in a state-of-the-art environment will be invaluable in learning about the depths of monozukuri, the art of manufacturing. We hope that the next generation of top runners from Tokyo metropolitan technical high schools will go out into Japan and the world.

Use the power of digital learning to ensure that no one is left behind

We will ensure that children have opportunities to learn in a virtual learning space. For children who need support, such as absentees and others experiencing difficulty coming to school, or who have just moved to Japan from abroad and cannot understand Japanese well, we will create a new place, an online classroom, where staff will provide them with individual support to facilitate their learning. First, we will begin operating a demo version in cooperation with Shinjuku-ku, and in the future, we will develop effective initiatives with a view to expanding the circle of such support.

Everyone shines to significantly enhance the power of the city

Thoroughly demonstrate the power of women

To enhance the vitality of the city, a wide range of perspectives and diverse opinions are needed, regardless of gender. When I first took the seat of Governor of Tokyo in 2016, the percentage of women appointed to councils that set the direction of Tokyo’s important policies was just in the 20 percent range. Efforts were promoted with the strong desire to change society from Tokyo, and the goal of 40 percent was achieved at the end of this fiscal year, more than half a year ahead of schedule. In order to continue to promote women's participation in various fields, we must also change the situation in which people have to choose between work and family, which is especially faced by households raising children. Fathers and mothers who are striving to raise children must be solidly supported by those around them. This message is incorporated in the logo mark we created for Ikugyo, a word we coined for going on parental leave to take on the “job of parenting.” The motif is based on a honeycomb that softly absorbs impact and disperses force. We will have the spirit of ikugyo penetrate society to build an environment where importance can be placed on both work and family.

Realizing a city where people can truly be themselves

The Tokyo Partnership Oath System, which symbolizes the diversity of Tokyo, has been launched. Since it began last month, more than 300 couples have applied. I can feel the high expectations for this system. We will make our city a place where there is greater understanding of gender diversity so that sexual minorities can lead vibrant and comfortable lives. We have also set out measures aimed at realizing such a society in the draft of the revised Basic Plan on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation released yesterday. Moreover, in order to further encourage the social participation of people with disabilities, we will collaborate with the national government and industry associations to implement large-scale job matching support with the participation of over 200 companies. Through a wide range of initiatives, we will realize a diverse Tokyo where everyone can truly be themselves.

For a society where people do not have to worry alone

The anxieties of people suffering from loneliness and isolation are becoming increasingly complex and diverse. We have launched the formulation of new guidelines for an overhaul of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's support program for recluses. Covering all generations, including middle-aged and senior citizens, optimal support, not just employment and independent living support, will be provided so that they and their families can have a sense of self-esteem.

We are also promoting systematic revision of our suicide prevention plan. Focusing on men in their 40s or older who are in their prime and women who have been particularly affected by the pandemic, we need to build a scheme where they do not have to worry alone. We will implement comprehensive measures while strengthening cooperation with various support organizations.

A city where artists can easily be active

It is the power of "people" that gives birth to Tokyo's rich arts and culture. Using 3D computer graphics, my avatar participated in the opening ceremony of the "Civic Creative Base Tokyo," a creative base for new expression using digital technology. I can sense that ways for artists to express themselves are expanding day by day. We will continue to further refine the proud soft power of Tokyo by, among others, creating a system to support the ongoing activities of the artists who bear this power and by collaborating with Tokyo’s theaters and organizations for culture and the arts to provide opportunities for children to nurture their creativity.

For the realization of international competitions that deliver dreams and inspiration

The power of sports nurtures dreams, inspiration, and courage in the hearts of people. International competitions express this power the most, and what is most important here is receiving the trust of the people of Tokyo and Japan. It is thus truly regrettable that the work contracted by the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee for the Tokyo 2020 Games is under investigation by the judicial authorities. We have told the organizing committee’s liquidation corporation to cooperate fully with the investigation. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, as well, has already set up an investigation team headed by Vice Governor Ushioda, to thoroughly check the procedures and decision-making process related to these contracts.

In 2025, Tokyo will host the World Athletics Championships and the Deaflympics. Through these international sporting events, we will bring a ray of bright hope to people. To that end as well, the newly established expert panel will deepen discussions on governance, information disclosure, and the involvement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in future international sporting events, and will formulate guidelines. We will make changes that need to be made, and continue to utilize the legacies of the Tokyo 2020 Games for a better future for Tokyo.

 4. Taking on humankind’s challenge to achieve carbon neutrality

COP27, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, has come to a close. The creation of a fund to support developing countries was a historically important agreement for COP. But even if countries reduce their carbon emissions as planned, we are still far from achieving the 1.5°C target raised in the Paris Agreement, with huge hurdles still to be overcome. At this conference gathering leaders from countries around the world, as the leader of a city at the forefront of climate change response, I reasserted Tokyo's leadership and called upon the international community to take a united stand against this issue. We must leave a sustainable and beautiful planet for the future. Tokyo will move to the next stage, shape effective policies, and launch actions.

Amendment of the environment ordinance

A symbolic initiative is the amendment to the Ordinance on the Environment to Secure the Health and Safety of Tokyo Residents (Environmental Security Ordinance), proposed at this regular session. The cornerstone of this amendment is the mandatory requirement for major house builders and suppliers to install PV systems in newly constructed homes and other small and medium-sized buildings, a first for Japan. By harnessing the potential of the roofs of homes to 14 million people, TMG will lead Japan in actions for carbon neutrality. This program will promote an unprecedented green shift in the housing industry, so to put it on a solid track, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will develop support that applies the martial arts’ concept of “Shin Gi Tai” (harmony of mind, skill, and body).

First, "Shin (mind).” We will foster a movement through multifaceted public relations activities and promote understanding toward this system by holding seminars and sending lecturers throughout Tokyo, and establishing a one-stop consultation service. Next, “Gi (skill)." In addition to supporting the development of home models with high environmental performance, we will prepare for the smooth launch of this system such as by working to spread the use of small, lightweight solar panels that can also be installed on small houses. Finally, "Tai (body).” We will create a system for establishing recycling routes for solar panels, and build a scheme that will enable Tokyo residents to install equipment at lower costs through group purchase of renewable energy equipment. At the same time, while broadening our sights to include all kinds of possibilities, such as expanding the home use of geothermal heat, which will be a stable source of renewable energy, we have, ahead of the next fiscal year’s budget, also included expenses needed to implement such measures in the supplementary budget bill proposed at this session.

Gaining the understanding of the people, honing skills, and preparing the structure, system, and budget. By providing diverse support from these three aspects of “mind, skill and body,” Tokyo’s businesses, people and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will together promote this system. At the same time, we will also work to secure stable financial resources to support the implementation of these measures, ensure that we can halve carbon emissions by 2030, and beyond that, realize a "Zero Emission Tokyo.”

Expanding the use of ZEVs

Following buildings is mobility. With spring 2024’s Formula E, the F1 for EVs, acting as a catalyst, we must immediately accelerate the popularization of ZEVs. In order to build up charging facilities, an indispensable infrastructure for this, we will expand their installation through an amendment to the Environmental Security Ordinance and other measures. We have also launched a new battery sharing service to promote the spread of EV motorcycles. In addition, we recently held a PR event at Shinjuku Chuo Park and the street in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building so many people could experience and feel the appeal of ZEVs. While continuing to implement such diverse initiatives, we will have ZEVs become a familiar form of mobility throughout Tokyo.

For realization of a world-leading hydrogen society

Hydrogen holds the key to achieving a balance between energy security and carbon neutrality. Advanced technologies need to be consolidated, and while pooling knowledge with various parties, we aim to expand the use of hydrogen. In October, as part of the "TIME TO ACT" climate crisis action movement, I spoke with the leaders of overseas cities that are taking advanced measures, and we confirmed that we will deepen our cooperation. Domestically, Tokyo signed an agreement with Yamanashi Prefecture to use green hydrogen produced in the prefecture at metropolitan-owned facilities, and in such ways, we will steadily build up examples of hydrogen use in society. In addition, yesterday, at a roundtable meeting with private businesses, we discussed methods to supply hydrogen, including the use of pipelines. We will continue to advance studies on a future system that will use such networks to supply hydrogen transported from overseas to Tokyo.

 5. For a Tokyo full of vitality that is the world’s city of choice

With all-out implementation of the national government’s travel support campaign and our own Motto Tokyo campaign, our city’s original vitality is returning. We will seek a balance between COVID response and the recovery of socioeconomic activities. By now unleashing the strength we have built up and seizing new opportunities for growth, we will become a city full of vitality that is the world’s city of choice.

Generating new growth

Becoming a city that people want to visit over and over again

The world’s eyes are on Japan, which topped the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index announced this year. The weak yen confronting us also presents an excellent opportunity to attract inbound tourists. By, for example, touting Tokyo as a MICE venue, we will also promote Tokyo's diverse attractions to the world. A prime example is our rich food culture. At the "Taste of Tokyo” festival held this fall, many people had a delicious time tasting the many dishes that were prepared from seasonal ingredients harvested in Tokyo, such as fresh Tokyo vegetables and local fish from the islands. We have also launched initiatives to rediscover the deep attractions of Tokyo revolving around its history and culture, by delving into the wisdom of Edo, which can also apply in the present day and the future. We will continue to strategically implement measures to make Tokyo a tourist destination that visitors from abroad will want to visit again and again.

Accelerating a shift in industry structure by cultivating new growth areas

Leading the way to new growth are startups. With sights on leaping into overseas markets as well—what we call "Born Global”—we will fully back up challengers who will shape the future through a support system that is clearly different from conventional systems. We just recently announced a new strategy to demonstrate how serious Tokyo is about this. We will create an environment where startups can thrive; this includes studies into the establishment of the Tokyo Innovation Base as a place where domestic and overseas players can mingle—a concept informed by overseas precedents—and the utilization of public procurement as a field for demonstrating the products and services developed.

Tokyo, with its numerous universities, must become a world-ranking innovation center by cultivating and demonstrating its concentration of knowledge and robust creativity. Japan’s competitiveness will always remain behind the rest of the world if we suppress the operations of universities, which gain their strength from the spirit of independence and autonomy. Tokyo will promote the cultivation of talent who will boldly take on the unknown for the continuous birth of startups from universities.

The key to strengthening competitiveness lies in the growth of the green sector, which is attracting increasing attention amid the climate crisis. To that end, this month, using a 6 billion yen fund as encouragement, we will establish a scheme for funds to flow to innovative startups engaging in decarbonization. This will lead to the creation of a virtuous cycle in which the activities of companies contributing to solving urban issues are recognized by the market, which will, in turn, attract further investment. Moreover, in order to promote the shift of human resources to such growth industries, we will upgrade the Tokyo Metropolitan Vocational Skills Development Center and, through vocational training and employment assistance, provide integrated support that meets the needs of the times.

Great strides in urban development in central Tokyo and the waterfront areas

This month, Loop Road No. 2 will fully open to traffic. Loop Road 5-1, which connects the Shibuya and Shinjuku subcenters, will also open. Urban development for an attractive, world-class city is underway in the central Tokyo and waterfront areas. Clean energy, harmony with nature, and a digitally advanced city—the future that you had been envisioning in your mind is steadily taking shape in reality.

Urban development in central Tokyo

First, development of the former site of the Tsukiji Market. We will make the most of the various attractions surrounding the site, such as the traditional food culture, Hama-rikyu Gardens, and the Sumida River, to make this area a hub creating and disseminating new culture. Yesterday, we released the application guidelines for private developers. We will draw out outstanding proposals full of wisdom and ingenuity.

Nihombashi exemplifies a dignified cityscape resplendent in history and culture. We will steadily advance efforts to move the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway underground so that this area can be bathed in sunlight. Furthermore, the KK Line Project, which will renew the Tokyo Expressway running through Ginza into a people-centered space, will become an aerial corridor filled with greenery that is always exciting to visit, just like the High Line in New York City, which I visited this past summer. Next spring we will hold a walking event along the KK Line so that many can experience the charm of a walkable urban space.

Urban development of the waterfront area

In the Bay Area, the Tokyo Bay eSG Project, an urban development project integrating nature and convenience, is now underway. Businesses that will be conducting groundbreaking projects in the Central Breakwater Area, which will be opened as a field for the implementation of cutting-edge technology, have recently been determined. This is the beginning of a grand urban development project for the future. Furthermore, at the site of the former Olympic and Paralympic Village in Harumi, which welcomed athletes from around the world for the Tokyo 2020 Games, steady advancements are being made in the development of hydrogen stations and residential buildings in preparation for the opening of the city in spring 2024. With the concept of coexistence with nature, the beloved Tokyo Sea Life Park will also be reborn as a completely new bay area center. Work will be launched for its opening in FY2027.

Strengthening the traffic network linking the two areas

By uniting these two dynamic areas, we will boost the attraction of this part of the city. The details of the plan for the city center and waterfront area subway are being worked out. Recently, a project plan that shows the route, station locations, and other details was drafted by the study group, which also included representatives from the national government. We will speed up the refinement of this plan and studies on its operator in order to quickly launch the construction of this line, which will drive Tokyo’s sustainable growth.

Further growth of the Tama area and islands

Next, the Tama area and islands. The Tama area, which has both rich green nature and good access to the city center, is attracting renewed attention especially from households raising children. For its further growth, we will launch studies on a new Tama urban development plan that adds the Tama Intercity Monorail and the Minami Tama One arterial road to the center of a transportation network that supports the area's appeal and growth. Meanwhile, Tokyo's islands are not only implementing various initiatives to support the lives of the islanders, such as removing utility poles and promoting digital transformation, but are also working to enhance the added value of the islands by, among others, promoting the "Tokyo Treasure Islands" brand and attracting high-quality lodging facilities. The pandemic has brought a diversity of lifestyles and work styles into the limelight, and the Tama area and islands, replete with character, have the potential to become a "second home" for people who wish to work and live in such ways. In addition to one-stop consultations by dedicated staff and seminars held in cooperation with the municipalities, we will continue to study further measures to encourage relocation there so that more people can together raise the vitality of these areas.

 6. In conclusion

About 170 years ago, our island nation was suddenly forced to open itself to the world. From there, propelled by the Meiji Restoration, Japan quickly became modernized. Today’s greatly changing age is telling us that the modern society we live in is at a historic turning point that could even be called our second opening to the world. When we consider the future of Tokyo and the future of our lives, we will not be able to draw a sure path to this future without turning our eyes to the world.

Exchanging wisdom, technology, and ideas across oceans. When these encounter, mix, and integrate with Tokyo’s potentials, new power to solve urban challenges is born. That is why, under the banner of "Sustainable High City-Tech.Tokyo," or "SusHi Tech Tokyo," we will continue to send out a powerful message of Tokyo's strengths, represented by technology, and a Tokyo that continues to take on challenges. City-Tech.Tokyo, an international event to promote open innovation with startups, and the Leaders Summit of G-NETS, an international intercity network, will be our first step in this direction.

We will open Tokyo to the world. And Tokyo will change. Let us overcome these difficult times together and combine our strengths for Tokyo’s evolution into a sustainable city.

Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 64 bills, including 2 budget bills and 15 ordinance bills, have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly for deliberation among the Assembly members.

This concludes my speech to the Assembly. Thank you.

 

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