Ricoh Champions Diversity and Sustainability: Highlights from the 2024 Global SDGs Action Month

In 2024, Ricoh once again declared June asGlobal SDGs Action Month to enhance employees' awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote alignment between business activities and SDG initiatives through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The Global SDGs Action Month originated from the "Global Ricoh Environmental Action" initiated in 2006, which initially aimed to encourage employees toengage in environmental actions. In 2019, this initiative expanded into the"Global SDGs Action Month," addressing global warming counter measuresand various social issues. The year 2024 marks the 19th anniversary of this event, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion within the companyby fostering an inclusive corporate culture through DEI initiatives.

Ricoh's President and CEO, Akira Oyama,stated that DEI is central to Ricoh's identity and operations. Globally, Ricohhas implemented various regional actions to promote the concept of DEI and reinforce its commitment to the SDGs. In Japan, Ricoh organized workshops toencourage employees to make DEI declarations. In Europe, the Middle East, andAfrica, articles and videos highlighted the importance of DEI, urging employeesto share their perspectives. In North America, Ricoh showcased its SDG and DEIstories and celebrated relevant holidays, emphasizing the role of SDGs inaction. Latin America launched a micro-learning program on equity, while theAsia-Pacific region provided DEI e-learning courses and conducted environmental protection activities.

This initiative demonstrated the crucialrole of DEI in advancing sustainable development. Through diverse globalactivities, Ricoh enhanced employees' understanding of the SDGs andsignificantly transformed the company's internal culture. Ricoh's efforts alignclosely with the SDGs' objectives, realizing the vision of sustainable development by enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within and outsidethe organization. Ricoh sets an industry benchmark with its commitment toinnovation and sustainability, exemplifying the indispensable role ofenterprises in driving social sustainability. These efforts and achievements illustrate that, through collective action, creating a more equitable,inclusive, and sustainable future is possible.