Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance (MSI), a member of the SUMITOMO EXPO2025 Promotion Committee, took part in the “Junior EXPO Research Meetings” education program of Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan, held on November 21 and 29, 2024. An MSI representative made a presentation and exchanged views with junior high school students across Japan about initiatives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Designed for youngsters who are destined to be future leaders, the Expo 2025 education program encourages them to get involved in Expo-related initiatives and gives added momentum to the fast-approaching Expo. It is a good opportunity for them to learn about the SDGs and think about ideas related to the Expo theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” and moreover it fuels their interest so that they will take every opportunity to visit the Expo in 2025. Initially launched at elementary schools and junior high schools in Osaka in fiscal 2020, the program’s coverage has been progressing nationwide since fiscal 2022. From Sumitomo Group, Sumitomo Chemical and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation participated in this program in November 2022, and Sumitomo Metal Mining and NEC did so in November and December 2023.
At Research Meetings, MSI introduced its initiatives to achieve the SDGs, responded to the youngsters’ questions on the initiatives, and exchanged views.
Ms. Ayako Kuramoto, from the Sustainability Transformation (SX) Team in the Corporate Planning Dept., gave a presentation on the company’s insurance business and its initiatives to address challenges related to the SDCs by providing security and safety.
Regarding “planetary health,” Ms. Kuramoto spoke about MSI’s Surugadai Green Spaces initiatives at its head office, which were recognized by the Ministry of the Environment as “Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure” (OECMs) for their contribution to biodiversity conservation. As an example of “innovative technologies,” she highlighted MSI’s “DORA-RECO (Dashcam) Road Manager” service, for early detection of road damage, such as cracks and potholes, that could lead to accidents. This service also supports local governments’ efforts to improve operational efficiency, contributing to resilient infrastructure development and maintenance. It has won multiple awards, including the Infrastructure Maintenance Award from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Good Digital Award from the Digital Agency.
She concluded by stating that, in addition to the company’s knowledge and experience, the success of its initiatives depends on leveraging networks of customers and partners, fostering public-private partnerships, and maintaining a long-term commitment to addressing risks and resolving challenges.
Seven junior high schools participated in the two-day Junior EXPO Research Meetings. These sessions were valuable opportunities for Sumitomo Group to share its SDG-related values and initiatives with youngsters from all over Japan.
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