Toward a more resilient society: further actions of the business sector and government - executive summary
This document addresses the role of business sector and government in disaster risk management. It builds up on lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake, that in 2011 severely hit the Japanese society and the extensive flooding in Thailand that vastly impacted Japanese companies' business activity across borders. The document highlights the importance of corporations, the business community and governments to prepare against disaster at ordinary times.
In this proposal, Keidanren states that in the event of natural disasters, corporations should collaborate with business partners and other members of related industrial associations to continue and restore business activity as well as promote relief of affected areas and people through the provision of donations, materials, and volunteers. Meanwhile, the government should maintain legislative infrastructure to cope with massive natural disasters and boost private sectors' disaster prevention countermeasures by giving an incentive like subsidies and deregulation. At the time of a natural disaster, it is essential that the government take appropriate measures to save lives, maintain security, and strongly send the message "Resilient Japan" toward the international community.
It is important for both the government and private sector to work in tandem on strengthening disaster prevention countermeasures; disaster preparation in local communities, the quake-resistance and immediate recovery of essential facilities like electricity, gas, water, and telecommunication, and effective use of information, as well as on efforts to support commuters unable to get home.
Building a resilient society that is more robust against natural disasters is indispensable and is also a major premise for recovering international trust and attracting investment. Keidanren shall contribute to building a more resilient society with the world's highest level of disaster prevention by fully utilizing the private sectors' technology and the wisdom.