January issue of SDGs that Yokohama City is working on

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

―It is said that you will receive a consultation. What kind of consultation do you have?
　Recently, we often receive consultations on the SDGs certification system (*) mainly from businesses. By obtaining certification, companies' efforts are recognized, and there are advantages such as preferential treatment in terms of system and being introduced on the Yokohama City web page.
※A system in which Yokohama City certifies and visualizes businesses of companies and organizations working to achieve the SDGs, thereby leading to further efforts by 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 the approach on the public relations Yokohama.
　This project started with the idea that it would be an opportunity to think about the environment through wooden straws. We aim to solve problems from the economic aspect by using and selling them at hotels in the city from a social perspective by producing people with disabilities working in city companies. When it comes to achieving the SDGs, we have a strong image of "environmental protection", but it is important to harmonize the three elements, including "revitalization of the economy" and "social inclusion (*)."
※The idea of protecting each and every citizen from exclusion, friction, loneliness and isolation, taking in and supporting each other as a member of society.

―It 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 a demonstration test of on-demand buses in Wakabadai, Asahi-ku. An on-demand bus is a service that allows you to make a reservation for the time and place you want to go to the smartphone app and make a reservation. Multiple people make various hopes for shared use, but AI technology to derive the shortest route. In the future, we would like to create a system that carries not only people but also goods, shops and services through autonomous driving. This initiative is also aimed at solving problems from a social perspective (local foot), economic perspective (creating opportunities to go out), and environmental perspectives (reducing CO2).

―What are your thoughts on the achievement of the SDGs?
　Achieving the SDGs cannot be achieved alone. As you can see in 17 of the 17 Goals, it is important to work on your goals with a "partnership". For that purpose, cooperation with various people is necessary. The Design Center acts as a bridge, snuggle up to businesses and organizations with their thoughts.

―Finally, please give a message to the citizens.
　Let's start with what you can do with something close to you. For example, when discarding plastic bottles, separate labels and caps. This is also an SDGs that can be achieved by individuals. When choosing a product at a store, it is important to be conscious of thinking about the background. First of all, let's start without being too nervous.