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[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the third meeting of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Promotion Headquarters at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, discussion was held on the progress of the initiatives for the SDGs and other matters.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

"The Sustainable Development Goals, or the SDGs, are important initiatives which all developed and developing countries are responsible for. Based on the concept of human security, Japan will exercise leadership towards the realization of a society in which not a single person will be left behind and everyone can unleash their capabilities.

Setting our sights on the report to the United Nations (UN) in July and the UN General Assembly session in September, I would like to once again instruct the following three items.

The first concerns the realization of work style reform. The Abe administration aims to realize a society in which all citizens are dynamically engaged, i.e., an inclusive society à la japonaise. The greatest challenge in achieving that is work style reform. We will steadily advance reforms that are in line with the concept of the SDGs, including correcting the practice of working long hours and realizing equal pay for equal work.

Second is the promotion of the SDGs in the regions. This will also contribute to vitalizing local economies. I ask that relevant ministers work together to consider and implement measures that promote regional initiatives towards the achievement of the SDGs.

Third is promotion of private sector initiatives. The use of private sector know-how, technology, and financing are indispensable to the achievement of the SDGs. At the same time, it represents a great challenge for companies. The SDGs offer business opportunities.

Today, this Promotion Headquarters decided to create the Japan SDGs Award to recognize the pioneering initiatives implemented by companies and organizations. I want to further encourage SDG-related activities in the private sector and actively give greater visibility to superior initiatives.

This year's Basic Policies are once again expected to incorporate further promotion of the implementation of the SDGs. In light of this, I ask relevant ministers to accelerate initiatives for the SDGs.

I will firmly promote Japan's initiatives to the world at opportunities such as the report to the UN in July and the UN General Assembly session in September."