Recognition of the importance of integrated improvement in nature, society, and the economy has stepped up a level on the basis of international agreements on solving global challenges, which include the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, and the Paris Agreement (on climate change), all three of which were adopted in 2015. In Japan, the 5th Basic Environmental Plan stresses the goal of building sustainable communities by creating regional CESs (abbreviation of Japanese for Circulating and Ecological Economies) that roll-out integrated initiatives locally. The update of Obayashi Green Vision 2050 to Obayashi Sustainability Vision 2050 redefined the Group Vision for 2050 as achieving sustainability of the planet, society, and people, and I can greatly appreciate the fact that this Vision does not end with the environment, but also incorporates the concept of the sustainability of society and people as well.

Looking toward the year 2030, the end-goal for the SDGs, and beyond does not only mean eliminating poverty and famine. Well-being (happiness and physical, spiritual, and social health) is also an important concept. Obayashi Sustainability Vision 2050 clearly outlines the direction the Group should take to provide value in all aspects of the lifestyles of people who work and live in society. I have high regard for the fact that the concept of well-being is incorporated in the Vision. I have great expectations for the role that Obayashi will play in providing new value that will contribute to achieving sustainability of the planet, society, and people, which is the Group's new Vision for 2050.

Resilience will be an important key to achieving the new Obayashi Sustainability Vision 2050, which aims to improve the sustainability of society and the people who live in them. I think it is the mission of general contractors to maintain social function while also provide residences and urban infrastructure that are decarbonized, resource-saving and resilient. I think that the Group can achieve the new Vision by reaching beyond the technical aspects and providing broad-ranging solutions that transform the lifestyles and values of people. I look forward to "active initiatives" by all employees to make sure that this Vision is not only a matter of management, but is a vision that the employees who will play a central role in achieving the SDGs by 2030 and the Vision beyond that will regard as their own.

To pursue the sustainability of the planet, society, and people, and the company simultaneously, Obayashi itself must expand beyond the role of its conventional construction business and shift to a new business model. In concrete terms, Obayashi must define the value of sustainability actively and create and provide businesses that realize the value.
Obayashi has developed and accumulated technological capabilities and management skills. I hope they will use their imagination and creativity to integrate their capabilities and skills and continuously create new innovations and businesses. That is what I think the value of Obayashi Sustainability Vision 2050 is.
I look forward to seeing Obayashi set milestones for 2030 and 2040, and being a company that effectively leads the world in "sustainability x business".