Mainstreaming the SDGs in Business: Actions by Companies and Organisations in Japan

Who’s behind it? – IGES, Global Compact Network Japan

How can it help? –  Since 2015, the Global Compact Network Japan (GCNJ) and IGES have conducted questionnaire surveys on SDGs-related initiatives targeting GCNJ member companies and organisations. The report “Mainstreaming the SDGs in Business: Actions by Companies and Organisations in Japan” (the third of the series) includes the results of the 2018 survey as well as a survey specifically focused on diversity management, which is closely linked to SDGs 5, 8 and 10. Key findings showed that:

• Surveyed companies made progress in integrating the SDGs into their core business. 
• Diversity management and women’s advancement were addressed by most GCNJ members.
• A key challenge in promoting diversity management in Japan remains the promotion of gender equality. 
• Front runner companies have positioned “women’s advancement” as “part of the promotion of diversity for innovation”, and promoted diversity management through work-style reforms not only for women, but also for men.