Shin Yoshiaki

While some of the largest and most admired companies in Japan have joined the UN Global Compact, there are still too few participants in our country – with just 70 companies and organizations signed on as of September 2008.

Corporate responsibility requires a personal commitment from top corporate managers. Working toward the Global Compact’s ten principles requires long-term commitment to change that can only succeed if led by top management. In Japan, Global Compact activities have not always been very visible or energetic, largely because they have been led by the companies' CSR officers.

Personally, as a manager of a company, I have become more aware not only of the need to protect the global environment, but also of the role that we must fulfill as a global player contributing to local and international communities. As a result, I have come to emphasize these aspects more in our core business. I also want to help other Japanese companies improve their programmes by sharing lessons based on what we have experienced.

I believe that the Global Compact provides the proper platform for CSR activities, and many of my business peers share this sentiment. To this end, I have worked together with Chairman Yuzaburo Mogi of Kikkoman and Board Director and Executive Advisor Toshio Arima of Fuji Xerox to strengthen the Japan Network by making it a CEO-led network.

Global Compact Board Japan Amita Corporation Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Japan Association of United Nations Studies Kikkoman Corporation　 Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group Holdings Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha Reitaku University Ricoh Company, Ltd. Sustainability Forum Japan Tokyo University UNEP Finance Initiative

The first crucial step was to strengthen the Executive Secretariat, which resulted in the transition to a new organization in April 2008. Under the new system, Secretariat functions have moved from the United Nations Information Centre to a full-time, private sector-led secretariat within the Japan Network.

Next, we created a "Global Compact Board Japan" (GC-BJ) to provide the Japan Network with direction and publish important messages related to CSR developments in Japan and around the world. It is envisioned that the GC-BJ will play a leading role in CSR in Japan.

By taking the time to participate in the GC-BJ, company leaders are demonstrating their commitment and attitude to people both inside and outside their companies. This can be instrumental in improving their autonomy and programs. Meeting together for face-to-face discussions will also lead to significantly greater collaboration among companies and more coordinated social action. In addition, we hope that the increased presence of this organization will not only build strength for the Global Compact in Japan, but also invigorate networks in other countries.

Finally, we have organized subcommittees in key areas, such as the supply chain in Asia, global warming, case studies and public relations, so that Japan Network members can work together to learn about and research important topics.

Looking ahead, our main point of emphasis will be to strengthen cooperation and coordination not only among companies, but also with scholars, civil society and government.

In particular, we will be highlighting the need for greater cooperation in combating global warming, an effort that today in Japan is primarily left to the voluntary programs of companies. Another important issue that companies have only begun to understand is the preservation of biodiversity. Nagoya will host COP 10 in 2010, and Japanese efforts will clearly be in the spotlight. Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group will be working in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Keidanren, UNEP and environmental NGOs to educate managers about the importance of this issue. In addition, we are studying the potential for collaboration with the Japan Business Initiative for Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity to improve corporate programs.

CSR at Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group In June 2004, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group Holdings (MSIG) became the first financial institution in Japan to express its support for the United Nations Global Compact. The company chaired the Global Compact Japan Network Steering Committee for two years from 2005 - 2007. The core business of the Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group is non-life insurance, a business that requires fairness and impartiality because it is based on the concept of "mutual aid". The company takes in premiums from large numbers of customers and, in the event that those customers incur damages due to accident or disaster, pays out insurance benefits. MSIG's ultimate objective has been articulated in its Mission Statement as "bringing security and safety to people and businesses around the world and making a lasting contribution to the enrichment of society by providing the finest insurance and financial products and services". It is therefore our duty to make contributions to the solution of the many problems and issues that impede the development of a prosperous, sustainable society. By doing this, we also meet the expectations that today's customers have for companies.