OUR STORIES
Dialogue for Co-innovation at Expo 2025: Business and Human Rights
On August 1st, during the “Peace and Human Rights” theme week at Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai, we hosted a dialogue at the “Forest of Tranquility” —a space designed to foster contemplation for the future while becoming one with the environment. Our Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Drahomira Mandikova, joined Professor Hiroaki Miyata of Keio University, also one of the producers of this forest, for a powerful conversation on the evolving role of business in promoting human rights.
The theme of the dialogue—Business and Human Rights: From Compliance to Commitment—captured a shift already underway at Asahi Group.
During the session, Drahomira emphasized the company’s approach to human rights, stating:
“Respecting human rights is part of our foundation of how we operate. Building trust with our employees, customers and partners is essential, and we make sure these values are part of everything we do.”
She also noted that for Asahi Group, human rights are not merely legal requirements or policy statements, but rather a shared value and a way of doing business that places people at the center.
Respecting human rights is a key part of our sustainability strategy. We also focus on reducing GHG emissions, using recyclable and returnable packaging, managing water responsibly, supporting sustainable farming and biodiversity, promoting responsible drinking, ensuring health and safety, and creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
This commitment was reflected in our Human Rights Principles, approved by Group CEO, aligned with international standards and translated into multiple languages to ensure accessibility across our global operations.
But more importantly, it is reflected in our actions. As Drahomira added: “At Asahi Group, we place great value on our Safety & Well-being culture. Beyond safety measures on the ground, we also focus on mental wellbeing and job satisfaction. This is a natural extension of our philosophy of 'respecting people.'”
In October 2024, teams from Asahi Group Holdings and Asahi Global Procurement（AGPRO）that integrates group’s procurement function visited agricultural raw material suppliers in Malaysia. The visit was part of the company’s efforts to promote responsible procurement and deepen its understanding of raw material production.
During the visit, the teams observed various stages of the production process—from harvesting to refining—and engaged in dialogue with local partners, certification bodies, and nonprofit organizations.
These activities provided insight into certification standards and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in advancing sustainable procurement.
“We believe in seeing things with our own eyes,” said Drahomira. “Listening directly to workers and community leaders helped us understand the impact of our business—and how we can do better.”
It’s a continuous cycle of learning and improvement, driven by our commitment to responsible sourcing.
The Expo dialogue explored not only what businesses were doing today, but also where we go from here. As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, companies face growing social and regulatory expectation to safeguard human dignity and privacy. Concepts like climate justice and digital rights, are also emerging as corporate responsibilities.
“That’s why it is essential to create structured spaces for dialogue with NGOs and civil society to help bridge the gap between policy and practice,” said Drahomira.
