Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo Achieves ISO 20121 Certification

Hiroyuki Ishige, Secretary General of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo, commented: “I thank SGS for conducting the certification audit.

“I believe that the perspectives, awareness and expectations regarding sustainability for Expo 2025 have increased significantly since the event was last held in Japan.

“In particular, Expo 2025 is five years before 2030, the target year for the UN SDGs, and it is a great opportunity to review the progress made so far, accelerate efforts toward achieving the SDGs and consider the future of society. I also believe that the Expo’s theme of Designing Future Society for Our Lives is inseparable from achieving the SDGs.

“We have established a Sustainability Expert Committee to consider how we can contribute to a world that aims to achieve sustainability through the preparation for and operation of Expo 2025, and how we can create a sustainable Expo. The committee members, who are academic experts, have held various discussions and said that to address sustainability, it is necessary to establish standard concepts and indicators. To do this effectively and efficiently, we should achieve ISO 20121 certification.

“Recent large-scale international events, such as Expo 2020 Dubai and the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, have been conducted with sustainability in mind and acquired ISO 20121 certification.

“By acquiring ISO 20121 certification, we would like to convey to the world that Expo 2025 is keenly aware of sustainability and firmly contributes to achieving the SDGs.

“Going forward, we will continue to make efforts to implement ISO 20121 appropriately. We will firmly face the issues of sustainability and contribute to achieving the SDGs through preparations for and management during Expo 2025, as well as various measures taken after its conclusion.”

Steven Du, Head of Asia Pacific at SGS, added: “I am deeply honored to celebrate the significant achievement of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo.

“This certification demonstrates its profound commitment to sustainable event management, ensuring that all aspects of Expo 2025 are conducted with consideration for society, the economy and environment.

“ISO 20121 is a globally recognized standard that provides guidance on managing and controlling the impact of events on the environment, society and economy. Obtaining this certification is no easy task, but the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo has shown extraordinary dedication and effort in pursuing sustainability.

“As a certification body, SGS is proud to have been part of this process. Our role is to ensure that organizations like the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo meet strict standards.

“This achievement is not just about obtaining a certificate. It sends a strong message to the world that the organizer is committed to creating a sustainable future for us all. It demonstrates how to host large-scale events while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing social and economic benefits.”

What is ISO 20121?

ISO 20121 guides you to seamlessly integrate sustainability into all your event planning and execution. Whether you are organizing a local craft show or a stadium-filling event, this global standard supports you in managing social, economic and environmental impacts responsibly.

Enhance your event sustainability with an SGS ISO 20121 audit today.