Sustainability and Human Rights Research Report (2024)

Overview

A report published by the Asia Pacific Institute of Research (APIR) on "Sustainability and Human Rights Research Report (2024)". This comprehensive study examines the SDGs management and human rights initiatives of Japanese and Kansai companies, aiming for implementation across global value chains. ## Key Points ### 1. Research Overview - **Research Leader**: Kenta Goto (APIR Senior Researcher, Professor of Economics at Kansai University) - **Research Period**: 2024 (culmination of 5 years of research since 2019) - **Publication Date**: June 30, 2025 - **Research Theme**: Implementation of SDGs management and human rights considerations in Asia ### 2. Background and Necessity - **International Requirements**: SDGs achievement, ESG investment, and sustainable supply chain construction are essential - **2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo**: Increasing international attention on Japanese companies - **Existing Gap**: Disparity between international standards and Japanese corporate responses - **Continuous Research**: Examining implementation challenges through case studies since 2019 ### 3. Past Research Achievements - **2022**: Survey of shrimp farming value chains in Vietnam - **2023**: Analysis of textile industry value chains and SDGs management - **Accumulated Knowledge**: Extraction of implementation challenges through specific cases - **Continuous Dissemination**: Awareness-raising on the importance of SDGs management including human rights ### 4. Research Activities - **1st Research Meeting**: Held on May 1, 2024 - **APIR Forum (Part 1)**: "Sustainable Society and Consumers" (July 30, 2024) - **APIR Forum (Part 2)**: "Dialogue between Companies and Civil Society" (November 29, 2024) - **APIR Forum (Part 3)**: "Companies that Protect Human Rights Will Survive!" (March 11, 2025) ### 5. Main Research Content - **Gap Analysis**: Clarifying differences between international standards and Japanese corporate practices - **Awareness Enhancement**: Examining strategies to raise awareness of SDGs management - **Value Chain Deployment**: Methods for ensuring SDGs throughout the supply chain - **Implementation Challenges**: Practical barriers and solutions ### 6. Expected Outcomes - **Corporate Contribution**: Support for companies and organizations working on SDGs management implementation - **Clarifying Pros and Cons**: Presenting the value of initiatives and risks of inaction - **Expo Contribution**: Raising awareness of the social aspects of sustainability - **Practical Guidance**: Providing specific guidelines for companies expanding into Asia ### 7. Research Team - **Research Director**: Yuzo Honda (APIR Research Director, Professor Emeritus at Osaka University) - **Research Leader**: Kenta Goto (Professor of Economics at Kansai University) - **Researchers**: - Junko Kikuchi (Director, Sustainability Design Office, Nippon Koei) - Takayoshi Kusago (Professor of Sociology, Kansai University) - Ryota Sai (Senior Consultant, Koei Research & Consulting) - Hiroshi Sato (Director, Development Sociology Institute) - Ryusuke Tanaka (Programme Officer, ILO Office for Japan) ### 8. Related Publications - **Discussion Paper (2024)**: "Business and Human Rights (BHR) in Global Value Chains—Challenges from Japan's Textile Industry" - **Discussion Paper (2023)**: "Challenges in Implementing SDGs in Global Value Chains—Case Study of Vietnam's Shrimp Farming Value Chain" - **Continuous Research**: Annual research projects since 2019 ### 9. Practical Implications - **For Companies Planning Asian Expansion**: Providing key considerations for business development - **For Established Companies**: Clarifying urgent issues requiring attention - **Motivation and Strategy Development**: Concrete support for initiatives - **Strengthening International Competitiveness**: Fostering recognition that human rights considerations lead to competitive advantages This research provides crucial practical pathways for Japanese companies to reach the level of SDGs management and human rights considerations demanded by the international community. With the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo approaching and Japanese corporate initiatives under international scrutiny, this study holds particular value in presenting concrete implementation strategies.