Sustainable Development Committee

1.    Introduction Sustainable Development is development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (The Brundtland Report 1987) In addition to the moral argument for Sustainable Development, there is also an escalating business argument. The EBC believes that the time is right to establish a Sustainable Development Committee. Europe is a leader in this field and, as such, it makes sense to ensure that Japan’s regulatory framework does not hamper the introduction or expansion of European products or services which promote Sustainable Development. Although Sustainable Development is covered in part by several committees, the area is deemed to be important enough and large enough to justify a committee of its own. This committee would seek to build on and add value to the work of the other committees as well as cover areas not yet addressed elsewhere within the EBC. 2.    Proposed Objectives of the Sustainable Development Committee The following is a proposed list of objectives of a Sustainable Development Committee: Build an information/knowledge base demonstrating the importance of Sustainable Development in business activities (from an ecological as well as business point of view) Identify European industries and businesses which are demonstrating leadership in this area Identify barriers (tariff and non-tariff) to introducing European Sustainable Development related products and services to the Japanese market Lobby the Japanese government to ensure that it facilitates access of European Sustainable Development supporting products and services to the Japanese market Work on collaboration with other committees that are involved in Sustainable Development related issues and ensure added value and synergy 3.    Next Steps The EBC would like to investigate the level of interest by its members in forming a Sustainable Development committee. We are inviting anybody who is interested in this issue to take part in a meeting at the EBC office on Friday, 19th March, 09:00-10:30 a.m. At this meeting we will: Review/modify the objectives of the Sustainable Development Committee Agree an action plan and annual meeting schedule Discuss the extent to which Sustainable Development is covered within the EBC (in existing committees) ACTION Please reply to Alison Murray at the EBC Secretariat at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you would like to join the inaugural Sustainable Development Committee meeting on 19th March. Regardless of whether or not you join the Sustainable Development Committee you are welcome to send in comments or suggestions regarding this committee.

 

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