On July 11, Okayama University hosted a special lecture titled “SDGs Change Business: Viewing the Present with a Future Perspective” at Okayama International Center with the Okayama Association of Corporate Executives and Okayama ESD Promotion Commission.

Professor Norichika Kanie, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, who is one of the leading SDG researchers in Japan, gave a lecture on the direction of new growth strategies provided by the SDGs and examples of SDG initiatives taken by corporations and local governments. He said, “The SDGs are a framework for our future. I would like you to think about how to flesh out the SDGs.”

The lecture was attended by 110 people, including members of the Okayama Association of Corporate Executives, university students and the general public. In a subsequent Q&A session, a participant asked Professor Kanie, “What should we do to create a sense of ownership in others?” Professor Kanie answered, “It is important not only to emphasize that doing good is morally right, but also to promote good practices that can also benefit business.”

SDGs Initiatives Planning Committee will continue to promote the SDGs through various opportunities such as this.