Business leaders in and outside of Japan will report on their efforts to respect human rights, share good practices from a global perspective, and discuss measures to further promote business and human rights initiatives. This forum will also showcase the implementation of human rights due diligence for the first time at an EXPO.

【Reflection】
On 5 September 2025, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) organized the event “For a Brighter Future of Responsible Value Chains”, under the project “Fostering an Enabling Environment for MSMEs to Promote Responsible Value Chains.” The event was officially registered as part of the Osaka–Kansai Expo “Peace and Human Rights Week”. It brought together more than 200 participants from Japan and abroad, including government, business, trade unions, and civil society, providing a valuable forum for deepening discussions on business and human rights.

The Osaka-Kansai Expo “Peace and Human Rights Week” asked the question: “What do we do to eliminate all forms of discrimination and create a society where we respect each other?” The event served as a chance to communicate the importance of business and human rights initiatives as one answer to that question. It proved a meaningful opportunity to embed respect for human rights and decent work into corporate culture and to raise awareness of sustainable management based on social trust.

In the opening remarks, METI emphasized that respect for human rights contributes to building trust across society and achieving a sustainable future. It highlighted in particular the importance of involving stakeholders, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and engaging in long-term initiatives under the strong commitment from business leadership.

During the executive session, IKEA Japan presented its initiatives on diversity and equal pay for equal work; Unilever Japan Holdings shared its efforts to promote living wages and support small businesses; and Fast Retailing introduced its approaches to ensuring transparency through third-party audits and the disclosure of factory lists. Each of these examples underscored that “putting people at the center of business” is directly linked to business sustainability.

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan) reported on its own efforts to organize the Expo in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including the introduction of human rights due diligence - the first time in Expo history.
In an interactive session, participants were invited to reflect on “actions they can take within one month” from their own perspectives. They shared concrete plans such as strengthening in-house training and promoting dialogue with business partners.

Hearing top business leaders speak in their own words about challenges and lessons learned had a powerful and empathetic impact on participants. A shared understanding emerged that “respecting human rights is an ongoing process”, and participants reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a spirit of continuous dialogue and improvement.

【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Under the METI-funded project “Fostering an Enabling Environment for MSMEs to Promote Responsible Value Chains” implemented by the ILO, it will build on the outcomes of this event to continue advancing human rights due diligence and strengthening value chain resiliency based on respect for human rights.

Due to the impact of the typhoon, some participants were unable to attend on the day. The project will promote follow-up actions such as distributing a recording of the event, disseminating the results and lessons learned, and sharing the video showcased during the event that introduces “practical examples of human rights initiatives applicable to SMEs”. Through engagement with key stakeholders surrounding SMEs—including local governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and local financial institutions, the project aims to foster a social climate conducive to ensuring respect for human rights and decent work.