EVENTS
06.06.2023
[2nd in Series] Scene Report from the G7 Digital and Tech Ministers’ Meeting in Takasaki, Gunma: JCS × G7 × Sustainable Conventions®
JCS was responsible for running the 2-day G7 Digital and Tech Ministers’ Meeting in Takasaki, Gunma, which occurred on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30.
At the G7 Digital and Tech Ministers’ Meeting in Takasaki, Gunma, to address the rapid spread of generative AI, including ChatGPT, responsible AI development, global AI governance, and cross-border, free flows of data were discussed in the ministers' dialog.
JCS proposed sustainability initiatives from the planning stage of the Digital and Tech Ministers’ Meeting based on JCS’ own Sustainable Conventions® guidelines, just as it did for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Karuizawa, Nagano (Sunday, April 16 to Tuesday, April 18). In this second installment of our JCS × G7 × Sustainable Conventions® series, our BSI’s Associate Consultant* presents the latest from the field and our efforts on sustainability at the meeting.
*The certification body BSI Group Japan K.K. selected JCS as a member of BSI’s Associate Consultant Programme based on certain conditions. We were selected for our wealth of experience and expertise in event sustainability.
Digital and Tech Exhibition open to the residents of the prefecture
The Digital and Tech Exhibition was held at the Exhibition Halls of G Messe Gunma in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, in conjunction with the G7 Digital and Tech Ministers’ Meeting. Over 100 companies and organizations from the public and private sectors showcased Japan’s high-tech prowess through their mobility applications, robots, drones, and other state-of-the-art technologies. The exhibition was very well attended by members of the public including the residents of the prefecture, with VR, AR, and digital twinning booths offering visitors a taste of the leading edge.
Empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities
JCS was responsible for running the Digital Transformation Summit (DX Summit), which was held at HOTEL KOGURE (Shibukawa City) on Friday, April 28, before the Ministers’ Meeting. During the DX Summit, the remote-controlled OriHime robots, which were planned by the World Economic Forum, were in action. OriHime is an avatar robot remotely piloted by people confined to their homes on the website for various reasons, such as family commitments, disability, or illness. The robots allow the pilots to communicate as if they were physically present. Several OriHime robots were seen cruising around the venue during the breaks with drinks and Japanese sweets in hand, enjoying conversations with the participants.
Next-generation participation
On the opening day of Saturday, April 29, local schoolchildren welcomed the international ministers arriving at G Messe Gunma. At the opening session of the meeting, local high school students representing the digital generation gave a School Summit Declaration presentation in English in which they described their vision for a future society. In the Digital and Tech Exhibition venue, high school students presented the outcome of their research relating to the use of digital technology in the G7 Gunma Takasaki School Summit Presentation.
Volunteer staff serving society and the local community
Local volunteers at the Information Centers, which were set up at the entrance of G Messe Gunma and in front of the ticket gate of Takasaki Station, helped visitors find their way to and around the venue. Volunteer guides also staffed the Exhibition Halls where the Digital and Tech Exhibition was taking place, providing information on the booths to delegates and members of the public.
In August 2012, JCS became the first company in Japan to be ISO 20121 certified (Event Sustainability Certification). As a leader in the convention industry, JCS is committed to offering Sustainable Conventions®*, which consider environmental, social, and economic sustainability to add value to events and help create a sustainable society.
*Sustainable Conventions: trademark registered by Japan Convention Services, Inc.
