January issue SDGs that Yokohama City is working on

―First of all, please tell us about the role of the Yokohama SDGs Design Center.
　It is an intermediate support organization that draws up the issues and needs of businesses, citizens, NPOs, etc., and creates initiatives that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs by matching them with know-how and technologies for solutions. . Specifically, through consultation with companies and organizations, we collect information such as "I want to do this" or "I have such issues", and utilize the stock of information that I receive when registering as a member I will match.

―You will be consulted, but what kind of consultation do you have?
　Recently, we often receive consultations on the SDGs certification system (*) mainly from businesses. By obtaining certification, companies are recognized, and there are advantages such as preferential treatment in terms of system and being introduced on the web page of Yokohama City.
※A system in which Yokohama City certifies and visualizes businesses of companies and organizations working to achieve the SDGs, which will lead to further initiatives of businesses.

―I think that various efforts are being made to solve the issues, but please tell us in detail about the "Yokohama Wood Straw Project", which was introduced as an example of initiatives on the public relations Yokohama space.
　It was a project that started with the idea that it could be an opportunity to think about the environment through wooden straws. We aim to solve problems from a social perspective by producing people with disabilities working in city companies, etc., and from an economic perspective by using and selling them at hotels in the city. When it comes to achieving SDGs, the image of "environmental protection" is strong, but it is important to harmonize the three elements, including "environmental revitalization" and "social inclusion*."
※The concept of supporting each and every citizen from exclusion, friction, loneliness and isolation, incorporating and supporting each other as a member of society.

―This means that harmony between the three elements will lead to the achievement of the SDGs. Do you have any other examples of initiatives?
　We are conducting demonstration tests of on-demand buses in the Wakabadai district of Asahi Ward. An on-demand bus is a service that allows a bus to come to your home and take it to your destination if you make a reservation in the smartphone app with the time and place you want to go. Multiple people make various hopes for shared use, but AI technology is used to derive the shortest route. In the future, we would like to create a system for autonomous driving that transports not only people but also goods, shops and services. This initiative also aims to solve issues from a social perspective (local foot), an economic perspective (creation of opportunities to go out), and an environmental perspective (CO2 reduction).

―What kind of thoughts are you taking to achieve the SDGs?
　It is not possible to achieve the SDGs alone. As mentioned in No. 17 of "17 goals", it is important to work on goals with "partnerships". To do so, it is necessary to cooperate with various people. As a bridge, the Design Center will snuggle up with businesses and organizations with thoughts.

―Finally, please give a message to the citizens.
　Let's start with what you can do with things that are familiar to you. For example, when throwing away plastic bottles, separate labels and caps. This is also an SDGs that can be done by individuals. When choosing a product at a store, it is important to be conscious of thinking a little about the background. First of all, let's start without forcing yourself.