B20 Tokyo Summit
Joint Recommendations"Society 5.0 for SDGs"

15 March 2019

B20 Tokyo Summit Joint Recommendations"Society 5.0 for SDGs"

I.
1.
2.
3.

Basic Recognition of the World Economy and Our Vision of a Future Society ............ 1
The most imminent challenges at a global level ................................................................ 1
Realising "Society 5.0 for SDGs" ...................................................................................... 2
B20 Tokyo Summit Principles ........................................................................................... 3

II. Policy recommendations to realise Society 5.0 for the SDGs .......................................... 4
1. Digital Transformation for All ....................................................................................... 4(1) Develop policy frameworks to utilise data .................................................................... 5(2) Promote international cooperation in the field of cybersecurity .................................... 6(3) Accelerate digital transformation throughout society .................................................... 7(4) Promote utilisation of trustworthy AI ............................................................................ 8(5) Launch real world projects ............................................................................................ 8
2. Trade and Investment for All ......................................................................................... 8(1) Reform the WTO ........................................................................................................... 9(2) Strengthen international rules ...................................................................................... 10(3) Establish comprehensive and high-standard FTAs ...................................................... 11(4) Promote cross-border investment ................................................................................ 11(5) Improve international regulatory cooperation ............................................................. 13
3. Energy and the Environment for All ........................................................................... 13(1) Realise low emissions in the society on a global scale and in the long-term............... 13(2) Establish a Sound Material-Cycle Society................................................................... 15(3) Realise a society in harmony with nature .................................................................... 16
4. Quality Infrastructure for All ....................................................................................... 16(1) Effective mobilisation of financial resources .............................................................. 17(2) Take measures to promote quality infrastructure......................................................... 17
5. Future of Work for All .................................................................................................. 18
6. Health and Well-being for All....................................................................................... 19(1) Promote digitalisation .................................................................................................. 19(2) Universal Health Coverage .......................................................................................... 19(3) Improve pandemic preparedness and response ............................................................ 20(4) Support business' voluntary initiatives to promote health and productivity management ...... 20(5) Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being in the era of aging populations ............ 20
7. Integrity for All .............................................................................................................. 21
III. Businesses for All............................................................................................................... 22
1. "B20 Business Voluntary Action Plan" ........................................................................... 22
2. Enhance communication with relevant stakeholders as appropriate ............................... 23
IV. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 23

I.

Basic Recognition of the World Economy and Our Vision of a Future Society

1.

The most imminent challenges at a global level: Towards sustainable and inclusive
development
Downside risks are becoming apparent due to growing trade conflicts and geopoliticaltensions, leading to a slowdown in the steady expansion of the world economy. The
proliferation of economic activities which are not fully governed by international rules isspreading, even posing a challenge in the realm of trade. Anti-globalisation sentiment ison the rise due to various factors. These issues pose serious challenges to existing
governance structures. To overcome these challenges in a steadfast manner, the rulesbased, free, fair and open international economic order needs to be strengthened throughenhanced policy coordination, updated rules and increased compliance. In parallel, eachcountry should undertake the necessary structural reforms in a decisive manner.
Furthermore, the world continues to face fundamental mid- and long-term challenges.
These include poverty, hunger, insufficient or inadequate education affecting
employability, persistent unemployment particularly in the youth segments, informality
in economy, gender inequality, demographic change affecting social protection,
constraints on natural and energy resources, and climate change. All of these should be
addressed and acted-upon as top priorities without delay. To tackle these issues andrealise sustainable and inclusive development, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, andreligion, it is essential to set our goals high. Governments should mobilise appropriate
policy tools to achieve them at sub-national, national and international levels, thus better
promoting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within oursocieties.
Businesses of all sizes across all sectors, and national/sub-national public authorities andother stakeholders, play a critical role in accordance with their capabilities in ensuringthat the necessary resources should be allocated to achieve sustainable and inclusive
development. Such resources including human, financial, and intellectual capitals cannot
be fully mobilised unless the current unpredictability is dissipated.
Ten years after the global financial crisis, there is no time like the present to requireinternational cooperation in which the G20 can play a more important role. We, the B20,
representing the voice of businesses in the G20 countries and regions, present here our
future vision for which our society should be heading. We are looking forward to the
Osaka Summit with great expectations for G20 Leadership in these difficult andchallenging times.

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2.

Realising "Society 5.0 for SDGs"
Continued and steady progress needs to be made towards achieving the SDGs which
define a set of 17 goals applicable to every country, ensuring that all people enjoy peace
and prosperity. The B20 support the SDGs to tackle the world’s most pressing social,economic, and environmental challenges in the lead-up to 2030 and beyond. The SDGs
provide all businesses with a new lens through which to translate the world’s needs andambitions into business solutions. Business drives innovation, provides a source offinance and constitutes an engine for economic development and employment. The paceof implementing the SDGs must now be accelerated.
To this end, governments should encourage the adoption of digital technologies while
paying due attention to its economic and social impact, such as Internet of Things (IoT),
fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G), Big Data, cloud computing,
Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and blockchain, to break down silos, thereby
increasing competition and consumer welfare. Governments, business, and civil society
in the G20 need to put their creativity to work to solve economic and social challenges
and to create new values. This will lead us to the next stage of humankind, namely"Society 5.0", following the Hunting Society (1.0), the Agrarian Society (2.0), theIndustrial Society (3.0), and the Information Society (4.0).
[Figure 1 Society 5.0]

Source: Society 5.0— Co-Creating the Future- (Keidanren)
We recognise that there are challenges surrounding the potential effects that digitalisation
might bring, such as substantial changes in the workplace, the increase of social
disparities caused by data hoarding, and the potential risk of a surveillance society with asubstantial loss of privacy. However, we believe that effective use of IoT, Big Data andAI enables us to harness human creativity and create a new society of the future using
cutting-edge technologies. The benefits resulting from the use of these technologies
include; (1) finding insights in data difficult for the human eye to see; (2) automatically
identifying patterns and detecting anomalies in the data; (3) delivering greater accuracy;(4) increasing operating efficiency and predicting equipment failure; (5) enhancing risk
2management; (6) avoiding costly unplanned downtime for a number of industries; and (7)enabling new and improved products and services. At the same time, we recognise thenecessity of public-private collaboration so that no one will be left behind by thistransformation. For this purpose, it is imperative for governments to take concrete andimmediate policies and measures in the seven areas which are set out below, in close
consultation with business.
[Figure 2 Society 5.0 for SDGs]

3.

B20 Tokyo Summit Principles
We, the B20, recommend the G20 to positively consider our following joint
recommendations and to implement them to achieve the SDGs through realising Society
5.0. Concrete policies and measures for implementation to realise Society 5.0 for SDGs
should be based and monitored on the following principles, namely the "B20 Tokyo
Summit Seven Principles."Policies and measures should be:(1) Sustainable to achieve the SDGs
(2) Inclusive to ensure diversity(3) Future-oriented to avoid short-sightedness in a rapidly changing world(4) Business-driven to promote business' creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship,
regardless of their size, sector or region(5) Transparent to ensure accountability and integrity(6) Rules-based to provide predictability and consistency(7) Multilateral to provide solutions to global issues through cooperation and dialogue
among various countries and stakeholders
3II. Policy recommendations to realise Society 5.0 for the SDGs
In order to realise Society 5.0 for the SDGs, it is essential to foster innovation and ensurethat its benefits are spread throughout society.
It is critical to design policies that foster innovation and spur investment that is achieved
through the combination of multi-disciplinary and multi-sourced knowledge. Thus,
governments should promote an innovation ecosystem that brings together establishedbusinesses, start-ups and academia, and enhances research and development throughincentive policies.
In addition, in order to share the fruits of innovation throughout society and achieve
inclusive, well-balanced and sustainable growth, it is imperative to ensure diversity andclose the gender gap, strengthen Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
capacities and integrate them into the global economy, and promote the growth ofdeveloping countries including least developed (LDCs) and middle-income countries,
thereby closing the development gap among countries. In this respect, the G20 initiativeon Supporting Industrialisation in Africa and LDCs under the Chinese G20 Presidency
should continue to be implemented, and the Compact with Africa initiated under theGerman G20 Presidency should be implemented and closely monitored. Furthermore, it
is important to promote the G20 Food Security and Nutrition Framework, an initiative
enhanced under the Argentine Presidency, to achieve a world free of hunger andmalnutrition, thereby meeting the most basic human needs for inclusive growth. In thisrespect, it is also crucial to incorporate public-private instances of dialogue andcollaborative work in the design and implementation of public policies, particularly
regarding malnutrition.
In implementing the following policy recommendations through enhanced international
cooperation, developing countries and LDCs in particular can achieve leap-frog
development, taking advantage of cutting-edge technologies and realising Society 5.0.

1.

Digital Transformation for All
Ensuring connectivity available for all is instrumental to enjoying the benefits of digitaltransformation. Governments should continue to put connectivity for all on top of theiragenda. In particular, the fifth-generation mobile communications system is a key pillar
for accomplishing Society 5.0. Governments should establish policy frameworks toencourage the necessary investment from businesses and to ensure that digital
infrastructure will be available to all including MSMEs on a sustainable and marketoriented basis without delay. To this end, GICA (Global Infrastructure Connectivity
Alliance) is expected to contribute to making a digital infrastructure asset class.

4In order to tackle various global challenges such as natural disaster and infectious diseases,
it is vital to combine a vast amount of relevant trustworthy data across borders. Reliabledata and capabilities to analyse Big Data play a key role in making digital transformation
beneficial for all. To this end, we, the B20, place a particular emphasis on therecommendations with a cross-border dimension among others.
As the world continues to urbanise, in order to tackle global issues and realise sustainable
development, it is required to successfully manage urban growth. To this end, we, theB20, propose that smart cities be a focus of the G20’s efforts to implement Society 5.0
for SDGs. This initiative should not be narrowly focused on developed countries but
contribute to solutions for the vast number of large cities in developing countries as well.
(1) Develop policy frameworks to utilise dataA) Establish the next generation data governance framework
From the perspective of fostering e-commerce, we recommend to accord nondiscriminatory treatments to digital products and services, and not to impose customs
duties on electronic transmissions. Moreover, in light of national laws and regulations
that differ from country to country, priority must be given to the following items inestablishing the next generation data governance framework.
 Promote international interoperability of risk-based security and privacy protection
standards across jurisdictions so as to ensure the free flow of data, information, ideas
and knowledge across borders, while respecting applicable legal frameworks forprivacy, data protection, and intellectual property rights.
 Foster e-commerce by ensuring the independence of business decisions regarding thelocation of computing facilities and confidentiality of corporate information.
The G20 should encourage the development of methods for data utilisation by the private
sector, making use of next generation technologies such as blockchain.
B) Realise a WTO rule on electronic commerce
While the digital economy has been rapidly expanding, current WTO rules cannot
adequately address today’s challenges. In this context, we, the B20, take note of the
progress achieved under the Joint Statement on Electronic Commerce by 76 members,
issued on 25 January 2019. To capture the change in real business and ensure a businessfriendly environment, we support expediting efforts to timely launch WTO negotiations
on trade-related aspects of electronic commerce and encourage the members concerned
to work in an innovative, open and inclusive manner to achieve a high standard outcome
with the participation of as many members as possible.
The G20 should make every possible effort to keep electronic commerce high on theagenda of various international fora.

5C) Achieve a multilateral consensus on digital taxation in a timely manner
The G20, together with the Inclusive Framework on BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit
Shifting), should achieve a multilateral consensus to address the tax challenges arisingfrom digitalisation in a timely manner to ensure a globally fair, sustainable and modern
international tax system that incentivises investment, job creation and economic growth.
Countries should refrain from adopting unilateral actions before a multilateral frameworkhas been developed.
The economy is rapidly shifting to a digital economy. Long-term solutions should bebased on the taxation of profits, not revenue which can be applied to the broader
digitalised economy and follows the principle of proportionality, avoids distortion,
reduces instances of double taxation (including through effective dispute resolution
mechanisms) and seeks to minimise the administrative burden on taxpayers and tax
administrations.
(2) Promote international cooperation in the field of cybersecurity
Globally coordinated approaches to cybersecurity are indispensable to business
operations and global economic growth. The G20 should work closely to achieve thefollowing.
 Adopt voluntary, risk-based cybersecurity frameworks complemented by regulatory
approaches that do not stifle innovation nor place unnecessary burdens on business.
 Promote the harmonisation and simplification of incident reporting to meet specificend goals without introducing new risks to the ecosystem.
 Develop/operate consistent or interoperable frameworks to manage ICT risks along
the entire global supply chain and leverage voluntary global security standards (e.g.
ISO standards) to support the implementation of interoperable cybersecurity
measures.
 Provide incentives for companies to voluntarily strengthen their cybersecurity.
 Encourage meaningful and voluntary cross-border information sharing programmes
on cyberattacks and cybersecurity incidents across different firms and sectors to learn
from each other and defend themselves more effectively through sharing bestpractices.
 Utilise meaningful and voluntary public-private partnership efforts to defend theircitizens, industries and public bodies against cyberattacks by state and non-state
actors. Enhanced cooperation among G20 countries as well as in international fora
such as the UN Group of Governmental Experts on Cybersecurity is crucial to thisend.
 Foster education about cybersecurity for citizens regardless of age, gender or origin.

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(3) Accelerate digital transformation throughout society
Increase social adoption
Recognising the opportunities associated with digital technologies, the G20 should not
only reduce barriers which impede the use and adoption of digital tools and information
services but promote measures to enhance the confidence of society and our citizens
through the following measures.
 Promote and secure access to quality education and life-long learning opportunities
that consider the required skills for the future of work, paying due attention to socialemotional skills as well as cognitive skills. Education systems should be updated toenable the integration of digital learning solutions. In this respect, an emphasis on
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education as acore competence should be fostered. Highlighting the future careers which techrelated education will unlock is critical to spurring interest at an early stage.
 Increase digital literacy including awareness and understanding of issues related toonline security and data privacy. Digital education should be affordable andaccessible to all, regardless of gender, age, and origin. Education systems should be
updated to enable the inclusion of digital learning solutions.
 Promote the effective protection of online consumers.
 Showcase tangible examples of how technology can improve people's lives.
 Promote initiatives such as regulatory sandboxes or innovation hubs to boost newtechnology-based solutions. These tools provide an environment under certain
conditions in which to test innovative products and services.
Facilitate widespread dissemination of digital technologies
Each G20 country must take decisive steps to harness digital technologies in pursuing
every policy objective, thereby laying the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive
development of the global economy.
Each G20 country should establish and implement comprehensive E-Government(electronic government). To this end, G20 members should streamline and simplify the
public administration process, which will not only create a business-friendly environment
especially for MSMEs, but also benefit individual citizens. In addition, governments
should promote open data initiatives for public data that can encourage the developmentof new products and services while protecting intellectual property rights.
Furthermore, governmental assistance will be instrumental to promote the diffusion ofdigital technologies throughout society. For example, as populations are ageing in somecountries, governments need to inform all age groups on how to utilise digitalised
financial and mobility services. This information is vital to ensure inclusion andcontinued social and civic participation.

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(4) Promote utilisation of trustworthy AI
In order to maximise the social and economic benefits of digital technology based on AI
research and development as well as increased human capital investment, it is essential
to build trustworthy AI and transform G20 countries into "AI-ready" societies. Here, AI
and other digital technologies should be utilised inter alia to advance the SDGs, including
development goals related to energy consumption, climate change and healthcare. To thisend, it is imperative for governments to open public data sets.
However, as with every industrial revolution, we recognise the need to overcome social
challenges. As the frontrunners, the G20 should work together with businesses as well asother stakeholders to establish holistic, human-centred, and future-oriented AI
development and utilisation principles in ways that can foster trust and broad societal
adoption, thereby ensuring the full benefits to be reaped.
(5) Launch real world projects
We call on G20 countries to support the implementation of Society 5.0 by fostering
cooperation among smart cities. The G20 should empower municipalities to make better
choices for their citizens as they seek to update their infrastructure with advanced digitaltechnologies. By enabling cities to share experiences and best practices, and encouraging
the adoption of common core guiding principles, including respect for privacy andsecurity, a global smart city coalition could promote transparency, openness andinteroperability, develop appropriate regulatory frameworks and help cities to become
platforms for the data economy. As part of exploratory approaches, each G20 country is
expected to nominate prospective cities.

2.

Trade and Investment for All
As engines of global growth and development, international trade and investment havecontributed to considerable progress in eradicating poverty. The G20 should renew theircommitment to the rules-based multilateral trade principles as defined at the World Trade
Organization (WTO) to increase prosperity, reduce income inequalities and maintainsocial stability. Updating these rules properly in an inclusive manner can help adapt tothe current economic reality and ultimately achieve the SDGs.
We encourage the G20 to establish a common understanding of the effects and benefitsof trade, better communicate trade issues, improve assistance for those displaced by trade,and focus on making trade more inclusive.

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(1) Reform the WTO
Although the WTO has served as guardian of the multilateral trading system, it iscurrently facing serious challenges such as the stalemate in the nomination of Appellate
Body members. In addition, its rules do not fully reflect the current and future needs oftrade, and its pace of decision-making needs to be improved. Timely reform is needed tohelp maintain global trade norms and to create new ones that will match the reality of theevolving international economy. Now that the G20 Leaders' Declaration in Buenos Aires
supports the necessary reform of the WTO to improve its functioning, we, the B20,
recommend the following:A) Save and improve its dispute settlement function
Dispute settlement plays an important role in the WTO to enhance the effectiveness of its
rules. We, the B20, strongly call upon the G20 to urgently solve the impasse in the processof nominating members to the Appellate Body as soon as possible. We also call for more
efficient procedures for the WTO dispute settlement system to cope with the number andcomplexity of trade disputes.
B) Improve its rule-making function
One of the most fundamental challenges for the WTO is how to update its rules. Members
should have an open mind to possible improvements to avoid a paralysis of themultilateral process. In this regard, the negotiation and decision-making process of the
WTO should be made more efficient and effective, thereby introducing alternativedecision-making rules. Recognising that multilateral solutions based on consensus remain
the ultimate goal, members willing to move ahead to new rules through more flexible
approaches must not be obstructed. Although special and differential treatment remains
to be applied, members should be encouraged to undertake commitments reflecting
economic realities and capabilities.
In order to enhance negotiation and discussion among members, the WTO secretariat's
function to collect, provide, and analyse data should be strengthened.
C) Improve its monitoring function
Another important function for the WTO is to ensure members' compliance with its rules.
In this respect, it is necessary to improve its monitoring function to guarantee that the
mandatory aspect of the notification requirements is being duly followed by all members.
D) Institutionalise a multi-stakeholder consultation mechanism
For the WTO and the members to keep pace with the rapid changes occurring in the realworld, it would be effective to establish an improved consultation mechanism between
the WTO and multi-stakeholders, particularly with the business community.

9(2) Strengthen international rules
A) Ensure a level playing field
The G20 should support the WTO in updating its rules to ensure a level playing field sothat businesses can pursue free and fair competition. For this purpose, industrial subsidies
inconsistent with WTO rules to be improved should be eliminated, and no entity should
gain privileged access to non-commercially available benefits based on its ownership.
The same regulations with economic implications and rules, including bankruptcy
procedures should apply to all.
At the same time, we highly appraise the collaborative and fruitful work of the Global
Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (GFSEC), which includes the exchange of information
on crude steel capacity developments and related government policies. Further focus andprogress on implementation, as indicated by the G20 communiqué, is required. We expect
the GFSEC to continue the spirit of "Global challenge, collective response".
B) Protect intellectual property
It is crucial for businesses to have a legal framework that effectively protects intellectual
property (IP). IP protection not only provides incentives for investment in research anddevelopment but also enhances transparency and the dissemination of knowledge. The
WTO should strive to ensure better compliance with the existing rules and improve themto protect and enforce intellectual property. Technology transfer should be based oncommercial consideration, while at the same time public policy purposes such as thedevelopment of LDCs may be supported on a voluntary basis.
C) Improve market access in goods and services
Plurilateral and multilateral efforts should be encouraged to engage interested countries
in rule-making in new areas and contribute to improving market access. From thisstandpoint, governments should be encouraged to expand the Information Technology
Agreement (ITA), resume negotiations for the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) andthe work towards a comprehensive environmental goods agreement that avoids complex
customs procedures; they should also insistently promote countries' accession to theGovernment Procurement Agreement (GPA), and enhance and accelerate the full
implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) by all WTO members.
In addition, the WTO should develop a set of rules to make domestic regulations inservices (such as qualification requirements and procedures, technical standards,
restrictions on licencing requirements and procedures) more transparent and impartial,
thus reducing the burden of compliance.
Unjustified barriers to global food trade work against sustainable food security and candiscourage investment in food trade production and innovation. Making progress is anecessary condition to achieve Zero hunger, which is set out in the SDGs.
10D) Avoid fragmentation of financial markets
There are increasing signs of regulatory fragmentation in sectors such as financial
services where the implementation of global rules is diverging across multiple
jurisdictions. The G20 should reaffirm its commitment, as stated in the G20 LeadersStatement at the 2018 Buenos Aires Summit, for global standards to be implemented in aconsistent way, supported by independent impact assessments both pre and post
implementation, to ensure a level playing field and avoid fragmentation of markets,
protectionism, and regulatory arbitrage. Fragmentation serves to limit the effectivenessof efforts to promote financial stability.
The G20 must ensure that the criteria chosen to measure international standards
implementation convergence on the regulatory side are coherently applied, not just forbanks but also for alternative finance sources and non-bank financial intermediation.
Going forward, it is important for the Basel Committee (BCBS) to analyse multiple
impacts of regulations and fine-tune rules themselves where applicable.
E) Support MSME’s integration into global value chains
It is essential to support MSME’s integration into global value chains (including foodvalue chains) in goods and services at all levels through establishing an MSME-friendly
policy framework, leveraging the potential of digital trade. This should be pursued
through a WTO MSME roadmap following the well-established "Think Small First"
principle. Stronger participation by MSMEs in global markets creates opportunities toscale up, accelerate innovation, facilitate spill-overs of technology and managerial knowhow, broaden and deepen the skillsets, and enhance productivity.
(3) Establish comprehensive and high-standard FTAs
Various FTAs have been negotiated and ratified among the WTO members to achieve
further market access. In these FTAs, attention should also be paid to the needs of MSMEs
and ensure consistent transparency and dialogue with business.
The G20 should recognise that comprehensive and high-standard FTAs consistent with
the WTO norms and principles will be able to contribute to strengthening a rules-based
multilateral trading system and serve as a basis for developing multilateral rules. The
FTAs must be consistent with WTO rules and should be encouraged to adopt various
WTO plus provisions around the world, and should not incorporate pre-emptive clauses
nor quantitative restrictions, which are not in line with WTO rules.
(4) Promote cross-border investment
A) List of measures to promote international investment
International investment creates jobs in host countries, facilitates international trade, andnot only helps capacity building in less developed countries but also serves to achieve
11sustainable growth, which is necessary to meet the SDGs while also taking account ofrespective conditions in each country. The G20 should renew its commitment to establish
open, non-discriminatory, transparent and predictable conditions for investment andsupport further implementation of the G20 Guiding Principles for Global Investment
Policymaking and the following items:a) Refrain from requirements that cannot be justified as meeting legitimate public
policy concerns and maintain the protection of intellectual property rights.
b) Ensure that policies to achieve national security goals are designed andimplemented with the smallest possible impact on investment flows so that theyshould not be regarded as protectionist.
c) Provide information transparently on rules, regulations, taxation, policies,
relevant official bodies, and general conditions that apply to investment.
d) Protect foreign investors and investments throughout their lifecycle by measures
such as affordable and binding dispute resolution mechanisms. Provide investor
access to neutral, apolitical international mechanisms to resolve major investment
disputes.
e) Promote the smooth flow of capital, information and natural persons, according
to national laws and circumstances.
f)

Promote capacity building for developing economies, including through theongoing fostering and education of a cybersecurity workforce.

g) Support a global level playing field for private and public investors.
B) Promoting investment facilitation
We, the B20, welcome and support the joint initiative on investment facilitation at theWTO, and stand ready to contribute through existing alliances to developing a
multilateral framework on investment facilitation in order to deliver an investmentfriendly environment. We believe that a multilateral approach to address investment
facilitation is a cost-effective alternative to bilateral negotiations that would lead tofurther fragmentation of rules governing investment.
An investment facilitation agreement should focus on enhancing openness, transparency,
predictability, non-discrimination, elimination of red tape, international cooperation,
creation of focal points, and the promotion and adoption of best practices, and should beperiodically reviewed.

12(5) Improve international regulatory cooperation
Regulatory divergence is resulting in increasing costs. It is important to deliver an
effective framework for regulatory cooperation to reduce the cost of regulatory
fragmentation and poor implementation. Governments should commit to: promotetransparency and stakeholder involvement in the rulemaking process; make use of quality
data and sound science; take a risk-based approach to regulation; conduct regulatory
impact assessments; consider the international impact of regulations; utilise international
standards; and leverage private sector conformity assessments. The G20 should promoteregulatory cooperation through international fora, taking into account other countries'
approaches and international standards.

3.

Energy and the Environment for All
Measures to deal with climate change, energy transitions, resource efficiency, andbiodiversity conservation are closely linked. Integration of credible and feasible businessstrategies with environmental initiatives to achieve low-emissions pathways in energy
supply and consumption, resource efficiency, and biodiversity conservation implemented
by business themselves will amplify their collective efforts for environmental protection,broaden business opportunities, and help to achieve both the SDGs and the Paris
Agreement.
Building on these premises, business will continue to proactively integrate suchenvironmental initiatives with corporate activities, through what is known as "Integrated
Environment Corporate Management." Businesses that implement integrated
management have provided examples of how innovation becomes a strategic factor that
fosters resilience and adaptation to a changing environment, and they should behighlighted and encouraged. The B20, therefore, call on the G20 to promote policies forthe mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, and simultaneously to promote energy
transitions, resource efficiency, and preservation of biodiversity in a concerted manner,and to recognise the importance of business advice and such initiatives to achieve a solid
environmental-economic policy coherence.

(1) Realise low emissions in the society on a global scale and in the long-term
The global business community has a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape alower emissions future to realise the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement (the twodegree goal and net-zero in the second half of this century). More companies than everbefore are placing the climate challenge at the heart of their business strategy, investments
and operations. The B20 urges the G20 to include business in developing climate change
policy at national and international levels given the role of business as a key actor and13source of experience, advice and resources in tackling climate change while also
increasing competitiveness, creating jobs and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The G20 should keep climate change high on the political agenda and provide short- andlong-term policies. Towards the goals of the Paris Agreement, global warming should be
addressed by evidence-based and economically sound policies which achieve the
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that the Parties to the Paris Agreement
have committed themselves to, in order to realise a very low-emissions society on a global
scale by 2050. The results of COP24 should be considered, and an international reviewof the most successful global emissions reduction policies should be performed by G20
countries to share and learn from the best practices.
Global transitions to a very low-emissions economy will necessitate substantial
technological and capital transfers, with closer cooperation and open markets, from G20
countries to emerging market economies to promote the technological leapfrogging tomeet SDGs while reducing emissions. Programmes that promote such transfers should beprioritised and fast-tracked. Considering that many companies engage in businessglobally, we will focus on reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) through global value
chains, and on promoting the dissemination of energy efficient and other low-emissions
technologies on a global scale, recognising that adequate IP protection underpins
environmental innovation.
In this context, it is also important to intensify the global discussion on carbon pricingthat adequately internalises externalities and levels the marginal costs of reducing
emissions globally as a means of very low-emissions development. This global discussion
should be focused on how a carbon price correctly incentivises economic behaviour andaffects affordable energy, especially in those countries where people still have difficulties
accessing sustainable energies. It is also crucial not to hinder economic developments andbusiness activities.
Therefore, we call for a comprehensive policy framework that protects and strengthens
economic competitiveness while ensuring a just transition that has to be ambitious yet
feasible. In addition, the G20 should continue to mainstream adaptation measures toclimate change to enhance resilience through such measures as investing in infrastructure,overhauling building codes, understanding the local impacts of a changing climate, andraising public awareness.
In order to achieve very significant emissions reductions by 2050 and net-zero in thesecond half of this century as requested by the Paris Agreement, as well as scientificcommunities and technical reports, research, development and deployment (R&D&D) ofinnovative technologies are necessary. The G20 should boost R&D&D to create suchtechnologies and realise their diffusion on a commercial basis, while ensuring fair andtechnology-neutral open market competition. In this regard, finance for low-emissions
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and emissions-free technologies and resilient energy systems, including concessional
finance for developing countries, and related professional services will play a vital role.
Energy and climate change policies are closely related to each other. A strong emphasison energy efficiency and cleaner and sustainable energy transition is needed to advancesteadily in order to overturn current emissions trends. The G20 should ensure energy
access for all and promote both energy efficiency and transitions to cleaner andsustainable energy model. They should reflect each country's situation (e.g., different
development stages, energy systems, energy resources, demand dynamics, technologies,
competitiveness, stock of capital, geographies, and cultures) in their national energy
policies, with ensuring safety, balancing energy security, economic efficiency, and theenvironment.
(2) Establish a Sound Material-Cycle Society (promoting proper waste
management, 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and proper value retention,
Resource Efficiency including recovery, Innovation)
The G20 should facilitate global dialogue and collaboration on implementing effective
approaches to resource efficiency for example, technology deployment in regions of themost acute concern and proper waste management, in fields such as marine plastic litterand microplastic issue.
A) Tackle marine plastic litter issue
While plastics play an important role in our economy and daily lives, the current approach,especially the inappropriate disposal of plastics, poses a significant threat to theenvironment, human health and economic development. Global efforts among
governments, consumers and business are required to minimise inappropriate disposal bypromoting value retention, proper waste management and preventing plastic waste andmicroplastics from leaking to waterways and the ocean.
The G20 should take immediate actions to promote proper waste management
domestically and to prevent plastic waste from flowing into our ocean. In addition,
governments in partnership with the private sector, should encourage innovation
connected to reused and recycled plastics, alternative materials, and bio-based and/or
biodegradable plastics to reduce the cost of these materials to promote wide dissemination.
Public education and consumer information systems should be mobilised to promote awider acceptance of resource efficiency. It is also indispensable to foster innovativetechnological developments to solve this problem.
The G20 should promote a full understanding of the actual situation of an outflow ofplastic wastes into the ocean, and should collect scientific data about the effects of marine
plastic litter and microplastics on the ecosystem and human health to clarify the main
problems of the marine litter issue. For this purpose, the G20 should support the15

development of harmonised monitoring methodologies and scientific research on thisissue. The marine plastic litter problem is of course a matter of global concern. Therefore,
the G20 should foster the implementation of effective actions that will significantly
reduce the global leakage of plastic waste into the ocean. Against this backdrop, the G20
are required to promote knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and coordination at the
global level to address marine plastic litter.
B) Prohibit illegal waste disposal, promote proper waste management, 3R
The G20 should recognise the negative effects of illegal waste disposal on public health,environment and economic development as well as enhance enforcement to fight against
such actions. Governments should invest in the necessary infrastructure (e.g., thecollection of reusable materials) to fully realise recycling and other second life options.
In addition, governments should support an enabling environment for innovation in
reduce, reuse and other value retention options. Finally, in collaboration with businessand consumers, governments should promote proper waste management, 3R (reduce,reuse, and recycle) and energy recovery in order to enhance both Resource Efficiency andCircular Economy. Further measures that would foster Resource Efficiency by changing
business models need to be proactively pursued, considered and promoted on a case-bycase basis. Voluntary efforts should be especially emphasised.
(3) Realise a society in harmony with nature
Biodiversity is an important foundation for a sustainable society, and we should act tocontribute to its conservation in collaboration and cooperation by sharing roles andresponsibilities with all people as a member of the international community. The G20
should invest in science-based and voluntary local action on biodiversity to achieve Aichi
Biodiversity Targets, to contribute to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, andin order to “realise a sustainable society through building a society in harmony withnature”. For this purpose, business will promote proactive measures such as
mainstreaming biodiversity, mobilising resources and promoting awareness. In addition,business will contribute to environmental education and human resource development.
Biodiversity, enabled through environmental conservation and other measures, is also
closely related to food production. The G20 should foster the development and adoptionof technology to increase the capacity for agricultural productivity, thereby ensuring
sustainable food production and resilient farming practices as well as food waste
reduction.

4.

Quality Infrastructure for All
Quality infrastructure development that considers respective conditions in each country
will be a foundation to harness economic growth. Given that the needs for infrastructure
are expanding due to urbanisation, population growth and other issues, it is instrumental
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to bridge the infrastructure gap with adequate security and maintenance in order toachieve inclusive, broadly beneficial and sustainable growth while providing accessible
and affordable investment opportunities. To this end, cooperation across borders should
be further promoted, utilising the strength of each country complementarily and mutually.
(1) Effective mobilisation of financial resources
Governments should aim to bridge the infrastructure gap through effective mobilisationof financial resources backed by relevant policies.
Host countries should allocate public budget in particular when private investment cannot
be incentivised or is not available for commercial reasons, while developed countries
should provide adequate budget for official development assistance and the expansion of
support systems such as capacity building.
In order to mobilise private finance including from institutional investors, host countries
should ensure profitability through a significant enhancement of project preparation (e.g.
Well Prepared Projects -WPP with SOURCE led by MDBs) and post-implementation
analysis, leading to an effective risk reduction and an appropriate risk sharing, andpromote public-private-partnership. In addition, MDBs and public financial institutions
should improve their products and mitigate risks by providing various services whichcannot be covered commercially. Furthermore, the G20 should improve international
financial networks and regulations to support long-term investment, which includes
encouraging the collaboration among regulators and private sectors, addressing
regulatory and reporting constraints to achieve the SDGs. Moreover, it is important todevelop infrastructure as an asset class in the financial markets through such means as
addressing data gaps on infrastructure projects and arranging public-private coinvestment platforms.
(2) Take measures to promote quality infrastructure
While there is an incentive for countries facing financial difficulties to minimise initialinvestment in infrastructure, focusing solely on initial cost may result in a lack of
durability or resilience and increase lifecycle cost. In addition, it may bring about negative
effects on public health, safety, the environment and job creation in the local community.
The G20 should encourage parties concerned to work on the quality of infrastructure andenable sustainable development by taking measures to promote quality infrastructure
based on the following elements.
A) Alignment with development strategies, openness, transparency, fiscal soundnessB) Stability, safety, resiliency

17C) Local high-quality development: job creation, capacity building and transfer oftechnologies
D) Economic and financial soundness: cost-effectiveness including life cycle costand utilisation of markets
E) Social and environmental sustainability

5. Future of Work for All
The Future of Work creates opportunities for all. To achieve SDGs Goal 8, an inclusive
agenda for Social Innovation needs to be developed. However, international labour
market commitments are insufficiently implemented, leaving opportunities for growth,skilling and employability untouched. The B20 call for better implementation of existingcommitments on employment to create sustainable labour markets.
High quality and diverse forms of work make labour markets inclusive and support robust
safety nets. Digital technology can support this by enhancing individuals’ access to work,
job satisfaction, labour market efficiency and overall productivity. Also, digitaltransformation creates new job opportunities. The B20 urges the G20 to progress thefollowing issues with a view to ensuring inclusive digital transformation.
A) Establish innovation-friendly framework for digital trade, in which entrepreneurs
and self-employed are able to transform ideas into businesses and operate moreeasily. The framework should allow for an innovative economy that supports
innovators set-up and develops businesses which create employment, thereby
bringing about economic growth. The framework should also enable existing
MSMEs to take advantage of new technologies.
B) Realise open, dynamic, and inclusive labour markets by making labour legislation
more flexible as appropriate, while making safety nets strong and portable.
Diverse forms of employment facilitate successful transition into the labour
market, particularly with regard to the inclusion of underrepresented groups
including female, older, younger and disabled workers.
C) Focus on labour market formalisation through the creation of diverse forms ofwork, enforcement of labour rules.
D) Increase access to lifelong learning and promote sharing of best practices inupskilling/reskilling of existing workers to adapt to the changing workplace andtechnology. In addition, ensure the vocational/academic education of the youth,
thus enabling them to be fully ready for embracing opportunity, gaining
entrepreneurship, and making individual effort to become the skilled employeesof tomorrow. Such measures are to be prioritised over traditional income
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protection. In a world where demand in skills change frequently, displaced
workers would lack the competences for existing jobs. Periods of unemployment
should therefore be perceived as opportunities for upskilling/reskilling by workers
and businesses. Labour market policies need to be geared towards lifelong
learning in collaboration with businesses.

6. Health and Well-being for All
Physical and mental health are essential human capital and the foundation of Society 5.0.
Economic growth depends on health outcomes for all generations from prevention, healthpromotion, to treatment and care. Governments should consider the linkage between
health, growth and productivity among each policy, supporting "health in all policies". In
addition, considering that populations in many G20 countries are aging, it is important topromote well-being for aging populations. Meanwhile, the G20 should recognise that it
is essential and even crucial for countries on low and middle income levels to strengthen
health systems and build health system resilience. To advance these goals, G20 should
strengthen its dialogue with private sector stake-holders and support international
cooperation in developing mutually supportive solutions.
(1) Promote digitalisation
The G20 should promote policies that leverage digital technologies to achieve better
health outcomes, such as digitalisation and interoperability of a variety of health data, toimprove data-driven quality which leads to extending healthy life expectancy andimproving efficiency of healthcare. Governments should commit themselves to adopt
policies and collaborate with stakeholders across the public-private spectrum towards
building infrastructure that would support the efficient utilisation of information andtechnology. Aggregated quality data, associated with appropriated skills and computing
power infrastructure, can support innovation in new medicines and vaccine developments,
address specific health needs, such as age-related disorders like dementia, cancer,
HIV/Aids as well as Anti-Microbial Resistance. Furthermore, aggregated quality data canpromote mobile health technologies which may help better diagnosis and treatment,
building awareness for healthy living, proactive and protective healthcare adoption, better
management of chronic diseases and reduction in healthcare costs. Blockchain
technology, and distributed and decentralised ledgers, can improve the trustworthiness of
personal medical data.
(2) Universal Health Coverage
The B20 welcome the G20's collective efforts towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
To assure financial sustainability of programmes that are implemented to achieveeffective and efficient provision of health and wellness service, governments should
improve cost-effectiveness of healthcare based on health outcomes. To achieve UHC, the19

G20 should promote multi-sectoral engagement as a critical element of success vis-a-vis
health stakeholders.
In addition, the G20 should champion policies that better recognise the value ofinnovation, which would both to improve delivery of available medicines and vaccinesand promote increased R&D for the future medicines. The G20 should also foster
continued research and development that can produce progress in fields such as
personalised medicine, medical devices, prevention, and diagnostics to improvehealthcare delivery mechanism and efficiently provide patients with benefits in all
healthcare systems without discrimination. Furthermore, this will help to respond to thechallenges with increasing relevance in the health area.
(3) Improve pandemic preparedness and response
Pandemics could cause not only imminent danger to a large number of human lives but
also negative influence to the economy and international trade relations. The G20 should
rise as a platform to enhance cross-country collaboration to ensure pandemic
preparedness and response so as to minimise its negative effects. Governments should
recognise and promote the importance of public-private partnerships, accelerate andincentivise R&D to address critical areas where new infectious diseases could pose
imminent threats.
Some of these efforts include immunisation programmes, prevention measures, and thedevelopment of disease surveillance systems and laboratory testing capabilities. By
evaluating the economic risks in macro-economic assessments, along with reserving
vaccine and regulating movement if necessary, the proper functioning of criticalinfrastructures will be ensured.
Since stakeholders across the public-private spectrum are important players towards
building an infrastructure, multi-stakeholder and multilateral cooperation needs to bestrengthened.
(4) Support business' voluntary initiatives to promote health and productivity
management
Improving employees’ health and vitality can enhance not only corporate performanceand value in capital markets but also extend healthy life expectancy in ageing societiesand promote social inclusion. The G20 is expected to support businesses’ voluntary
initiatives to promote health and productivity management.
(5) Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being in the era of aging populations
As populations in many G20 countries are ageing, there is growing pressure caused by20

increased longevity and declining population growth rates and other demographic factors.
Thus, it becomes difficult to provide social security systems such as public healthinsurance, long-term care insurance, and universal retirement security. Under thesecircumstances, the G20 should take measures towards efficient management, such as
moderating healthcare costs and reducing waste in order to secure sustainability of thesystem.
Against this backdrop, the G20 should recognise the increasing importance of the private
sector’s role in providing products for solutions to support self-help efforts for financial
security among ageing populations. The G20 are expected to promote self-help efforts
solutions.
In the era of ageing populations, aside from the above-mentioned efforts, it is essential
for governments to enlighten older demographics to utilise digitalised financial andmobility services, and promote upskilling/reskilling existing workers including theelderly.

7.

Integrity for All
Business underlines the importance of responsible business conduct and integrity at alllevels. The fight against corruption must remain a priority and must be addressed in close
dialogue among business, government, and society more broadly. Corruption undermines
good governance, erodes trust and threatens investment. While reiterating the importanceof transparent, fair governance and the rule of law, the B20 call on the G20 to implement
the following actions as a prerequisite for growth in accordance with domestic laws andregulations.
(1) Address the demand side of bribery as well as the supply side through promoting
collective actions such as the following;A) Anti-corruption declaration
B) Integrity pact(2) Ensure transparency in public procurement with a focus on mid- and long-term
projects.
(3) Pursue the implementation of the requirements of the past G20 communiqués
regarding beneficial ownership transparency.
(4) Rebuild trust in institutions fostering the highest standards of ethics, integrity, andcompliance for both demand and supply sides.
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(5) Enhance a culture of integrity through education and encourage business to adopt a
compliance culture within their companies while governments take into
consideration compliance efforts and voluntary self-disclosure by business.

III. Businesses for All
We, the members of B20, are determined to strengthen our efforts to jointly realise
Society 5.0, thereby contributing to achieving the SDGs, from the standpoint of creating
a win-win-win situation (benefitting the seller, the purchaser, and society as a whole).
1. "B20 Business Voluntary Action Plan"
We will urge businesses to implement the following initiative.
(1) Respect human rights.
(2) Initiate proactive and voluntary measures by the business community to realise
Society 5.0 for SDGs.
(3) Integrate SDGs into corporate strategies and realise sustainable economic growth andprovide solutions to social issues through innovation.
(4) Engage in fair and free competition, appropriate transactions and procurement.
(5) Maximise employees' potential capabilities and foster Diversity & Inclusion
solutions to closing the gender gap and realising new prosperity.
(6) Proactively initiate measures to integrate environmental and economic priorities.
(7) Act as responsible social actors and maintain a close dialogue with political bodies,civil society, host communities and government agencies.
(8) Proactively integrate appropriate risk management frameworks and crisis
management processes in consultation with government to ensure that businesses andtheir employees are prepared for crises (e.g. antisocial forces, terrorism, cyberattacks, natural disasters and other crisis that pose a threat to civil society andcorporate activity).

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2. Enhance communication with relevant stakeholders as appropriate(1) Disclose relevant corporate information fairly, effectively, and proactively in atransparent manner.
(2) Engage in constructive dialogue with shareholders and investors.
(3) Proactively communicate with a broad range of stakeholders.

IV. Conclusion
All stakeholders in both developed and developing countries are encouraged tocollaborate to realise Society 5.0 for SDGs.
We, the B20, shall stand firm to contribute more to highlight and emphasise further
detailed views on specific issues to be discussed at the G20 Ministerial and task-force
meetings.

[Attachment] Examples of Society 5.0 for SDGs (tangible examples by the business)

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National Business Federations
Argentina
Australia
BrazilCanadaChina
EUFranceGermany
India
Indonesia
Italy
Japan
MexicoRussiaSaudi Arabia
South Africa
South Korea
TurkeyUKUSA

B20 Argentina 2018
Australian Industry Group (Ai Group)
National Confederation of Industry Brazil (CNI)The Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC)
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
BusinessEurope
Mouvement des Enterprises de France (MEDEF)
B20 Germany 2017 (BDI, BDA, DIHK)
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Kamar Dagang Dan Industri Indonesia (KADIN Indonesia)
General Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria)
Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)
Consejo Empresarial Mexicano de Comercio Exterior (COMCE)
Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP)
Council of Saudi Chambers for Foreign Affairs
Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA)
Federation of Korean Industries (FKI)The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB)
Turkish Industry & Business Association (TÜSİAD)Confederation of British Industry (CBI)U.S. Chamber of Commerce

ChilieEgypt
Netherland
Spain
Singapore
Thailand
VietnamSociedad de Fomento Fabril F.G.
The Federation of Egyptian Industries
VNO-NCW (The Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers)
CEOE (Spanish Confederation of Employers' Organization)
Singapore Business Federation
The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand
Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry

International Business Organisations
Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD (BIAC)
Global Business Coalition (GBC)
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
International Organisation of Employers (IOE)

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