GR8 Conference on 'Diversity & Sustainability' at the Embassy of France, Tokyo | February 27th, 2020

Tokyo, JPN: GR8, an organization focused on implementing change on a micro and macro level, hosted its first series of curated talks on ‘Diversity & Sustainability’ on February 27th, 2020 at the Official Residence of the French Ambassador at the Embassy of France in Tokyo. Key Japanese experts in sustainable investments, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance (ESGs) shared their expertise and learnings with the audience, with a primary focus on the impact of cultural/gender diversity and the influence of diversity of thoughts and opinions on sustainability.

With approximately 100 guests in attendance, this conference not only held an open discussion from the view of technology advancement, cultural diversity, gender equity, and government policies towards investments and their impact on sustainability, but opinions were exchanged from various angles of society. Audience members had the opportunity to ask questions and participate within this open discussion.

Guest speakers included:

- H.E. Mrs. Tatiana Iosiper - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Japan

- H.E. Ms. Lina Annab - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Jordan to Japan

- H.E. Ms. Melba Pria - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to Japan

- Mr. Hiromichi Mizuno - Member of the Board and Asset Owner Advisory Committee of the United Nations' Principles for Responsible Investment (UN-PRI)

- Dr. Shunji Mitsuyoshi - Project Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo

Panel Moderator for the discussion on Cultural and Gender Diversity with the Ambassadors:

- Ms. Yumiko Murakami - Head of OECD Tokyo Centre.

Sadly, Prince Edouard de Ligne of Belgium, who intended on speaking about his involvement in the real estate sector of business and involvement of incorporating eco-friendly resorts, was unable to attend the conference due to international travel restrictions.

This conference would not have been possible with the work of co-founders Narcisa Pheres and Sakiko Yamada, who are both passionate about spreading the awareness of today’s issues that impact the world. The two co-founders “chose sustainability and diversity, as these two topics are the most relevant with the current situation. No matter whether we talk about investments, diversity, or AI, none of that is possible without having a world to live in. To make a change towards a sustainable future, it is only possible if we all do our part. We will continue to organize such conferences and symposiums in the coming future both in Japan and internationally. We look forward to connecting Japan and the rest of the world and sharing expert views towards the 8 principles that GR8 stands for”.