Addresses by Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino(2023)

　It is a great pleasure for me to join so many participants from Japan and abroad attending this opening ceremony of the 35th International Union of Radio Science General Assembly and Scientific Symposium, URSI GASS 2023, being held here in Sapporo, under the main theme of“radio science pioneering a sustainable future”.

　URSI is one of the world’s oldest international scientific bodies and the parent organization of this conference. For over 100 years since its foundation in 1919, URSI has been internationally promoting scientific investigations, basic and applied research, and scientific exchange in the various fields of radio science.

　My understanding is that radio science extends across basic and applied science and engineering, and is extremely multidisciplinary, involving diverse fields. I believe that international collaboration of the sort promoted and coordinated by URSI is essential in advancing a wide range of research in the multiple disciplines from different perspectives.
　I express my deep respect to all those who have engaged in the administration of URSI, and have attained and supported the achievements made so far in radio science.

　The evolution of radio science is supporting today’s highly advanced information and communication society, and our daily lives. Wireless communications systems such as mobile phones, television, and satellite navigation enable people around the world to communicate“anytime, anywhere, with anyone”. The use of electromagnetic energy has led to the spread of such applications as microwave ovens, wireless charging, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, among others. These applications are essential to our present everyday lives.

　Furthermore, radio remote sensing used to monitor the environment has enabled prediction and detection of natural hazards, and assessment of the effects of disasters. During disaster relief operations, radio communications are vital for securing emergency communications networks, and for supporting evacuations and confirming the safety of those affected. Radio observations have also enabled space weather prediction, and the investigation of distant astronomical objects.

　Therefore, I understand that various initiatives utilizing radio science are also significantly contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. I hope that at this conference the exchange of diverse knowledge, and presentations to the world of the most advanced research results, will lead to even greater developments.

　In closing my address, I hope that radio science will contribute to pioneering our future in the creation of a sustainable society, and that this conference and your stay in Sapporo will be fruitful, meaningful, and enjoyable for you all.