The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) was established in March 1998 under an initiative of the Japanese government and with the support of Kanagawa Prefecture based on the “Charter for the Establishment of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies”. The aim of the Institute is to achieve a new paradigm for civilization and conduct innovative policy development and strategic research for environmental measures, reflecting the results of research into political decisions for realising sustainable development both in the Asia-Pacific region and globally. IGES made the transition to a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation in April 2012.

According to the Charter for the Establishment of the IGES, the Institute will tackle fundamental challenges to human society, which exists thanks to the bounty of the global environment, and to redefine the values and value systems of our present societies that have resulted in the global environmental crisis, in order to create new ways of conducting activities and a new paradigm for civilization. Based on the principles of this new paradigm, new social and economic systems will be built, so that a new era of the global environment can begin. IGES also recognises that the realisation of sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region is a vital issue for the international community, as the region is home to more than half of the world's population and is experiencing rapid economic growth. Thus the region plays a critical role in the protection of the global environment.

By recognising these crucial issues, IGES will promote research cooperation with international organisations, governments, local governments, research institutions, business sectors, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and citizens. As well as conducting research, the Institute will share its research results and also host international conferences and study workshops.