The "Labor Market Inequality Correction" seminar held as part of the "Peace and Human Rights" theme week at the 2025 Japan International Exposition (Osaka-Kansai Expo) provided an important opportunity for international perspectives on workplace diversity and inclusion in global society. Six domestic and international experts participated, examining multifaceted approaches to "eliminating ethically and socially unjust inequalities in all workplaces, ensuring equal opportunities for people of different attributes, and realizing healthy corporate growth."
Moderated by UN Assistant Secretary-General Sawako Shirahase, JETRO Asian Economic Research Institute Senior Research Fellow Miwa Yamada introduced the UN "Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights," emphasizing the significance of international frameworks defining corporate human rights responsibilities. L"Oréal Japan"s Noriko Kusuda presented concrete corporate initiatives through the Inclusive Sourcing Program, which creates employment opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged people through procurement activities, demonstrating how companies can create social value throughout their supply chains.
Oxford University"s Sabina Alkire positioned poverty alleviation caused by labor market disparities as a global challenge, advocating for comprehensive commitment from governments, NGOs, and private companies. Maybank Group"s Narita Naziri emphasized the importance of DEI&B (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) promotion, where human diversity is respected and utilized, creating positive impacts both within and outside organizations.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Felipe Bolio positioned young people as agents of change, stating that the future of business depends on intergenerational exchange and cooperation, emphasizing the "necessity of dialogue" for building trust between generations. These discussions carry important meaning as messages of labor market reform and social inclusion that Japan communicates to the international community.
This seminar demonstrates that the Osaka-Kansai Expo functions not merely as a technology exhibition venue but as a platform for international dialogue on social issue resolution, providing Japanese companies an opportunity to reconfirm the importance of strengthening responses to global human rights and labor standards and utilizing diversity in organizational management. From corporate sustainability and ESG management perspectives, labor market inequality correction becomes an increasingly important management challenge.