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METI-ILO Forum - Top leaders from enterprises shared the challenges of incorporating respect for human rights into supply chain management

5 September 2025

Workers at a automotive factory in Shizuoka, Japan © ILO / Masashi Noda
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Tokyo (ILO News) - On 5 September 2025, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI) hosted the EXPO 2025 Theme Week Forum - For a Brighter Future of Responsible Value Chains - in Tokyo as part of the project “Fostering an Enabling Environment for MSMEs to Promote Responsible Value Chains”.

This event focused on human rights due diligence for decent work, strengthening the resilience of value chains based on respect for human rights and addressing structural issues— all key aspects of responsible business conduct, and case studies of practical strategies and initiatives were shared from leading global companies.

Followed by the Executive Presentations from Ms. Petra Färe, CEO&CSO of IKEA Japan, Ms. Sayaka Matsui, General Counsel, Representative Executive Officer of Unilever Japan Holdings and Mr. Yukihiro Nitta, Group Executive Officer, Sustainability, of Fast Retailing, the leaders of the three companies exchanged views on the practice of respecting human rights and how to realize Decent Work within their supply chains.

This event was held as the Osaka-Kansai EXPO Theme Week programme “Peace and Human Rights Week,” one of the eight themes based on global issues such as cultures, food and health. More than 200 participants from Japan and overseas, including government officials, enterprises, trade unions and civil society gathered this event both on-site and online.

© ILO / Aki Chizuka
© ILO / Aki Chizuka
Speakers（Counterclockwise from top right）Mr. Hideaki Fujisawa (METI), Ms. Petra Färe (IKEA Japan), Ms Sayaka Matsui (Unilever Japan Holdings), Mr. Yukihiro Nitta, Group Executive Officer, Sustainability (Fast Retailing), Ms. Sara Park, Facilitator (ILO) and Mr. Yasushi Nagami (Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition) ＝5 September, 2025 at International House of Japan, Roppongi, Tokyo

Executive Presentations (Archived videos)

Panel Discussion

Video shown at the event

Building Better Workplaces: The Power of Inclusion, Safety, and Global Standards (ILO video developed by “Fostering an Enabling Environment for MSMEs to Promote Responsible Value Chains” )