What is the “deep connection” between SDGs and SUNNY SIDE UP? Tracing the history from “White Band” to “SDGs MAGAZINE”!

Hello! This is PR Sunny-chan.

Recently, we’ve been hearing a lot about SDGs, featured in television programs and magazines.

While this term is becoming more common, many people may have only a vague impression that it means “doing something environmentally friendly,” or may not know “what specific actions to take.”

In this article, we will address basic questions about SDGs, such as “What are SDGs in the first place?” and “What kinds of initiatives are actually being implemented?” We will also introduce the web magazine “SDGs MAGAZINE,” which was launched with the idea that “What can SUNNY SIDE UP, a company engaged in PR communications, do to take action on SDGs?” from the WEB magazine.

In fact, SDGs actions can be taken by anyone starting today. Let’s proceed with the explanation!

What are SDGs, which are gradually becoming more widespread? And what are MDGs, their predecessor?

“SDGs” stands for “Sustainable Development Goals” and is a common goal for the international community established at the United Nations summit held in September 9, 2015. Various initiatives are being implemented around the world to achieve the 17 goals set between 2015 and 2030.

In fact, SDGs have a predecessor called “MDGs (Millennium Development Goals).” Compiled in 2001, 8 international goals (such as eradicating poverty and hunger) were set to be achieved by 2015.

In fact, the “White Band Project” in 2005, for which SUNNY SIDE UP handled planning and PR, was created in line with the achievement of these MDGs goals. The sensational message “Every 3 seconds, 1 child dies because of poverty” moved many people’s hearts, and the “White Band” sold as an item to express one’s commitment sold approximately 4 million units, becoming a major phenomenon. As a result, the World Bank announced an increase of 6 trillion yen in ODA (Official Development Assistance) and 5 trillion yen in debt relief for poor countries.

It is remembered as a pioneering project of “advocacy campaigns” that went beyond mere donations, where each individual learned about the problem and advocated for what could be done to solve it.

Also, a major difference between previous international goals and SDGs is that the target countries include not only developing countries but all countries, including developed nations. And to achieve the detailed goals, it raises the question that “not only national institutions, but also companies and citizens must take action.”

Fun, easy-to-understand SDGs MAGAZINE that conveys the current state of SDGs!

While SDGs cannot achieve their goals without the participation of each individual, the reality is that many people perceive “SDGs as something for countries and companies.” Therefore, to make SDGs more accessible and familiar, the online magazine “SDGs MAGAZINE” was launched in June 2020 6.
https://sdgsmagazine.jp/

The concept of “SDGs MAGAZINE” is to make SDGs easy to understand“.

Even before the term SDGs was created, SUNNY SIDE UP has supported activities related to social actions of various companies and organizations, including the “White Band Project,” from a PR perspective. By leveraging the marketing and communication know-how cultivated there, we aim to create a platform that delivers “easy-to-understand” information to consumers and encourages individual actions toward achieving SDGs .

In fact, the history of SUNNY SIDE UP has been inseparable from SDGs and MDGs. This legacy continues to be carried forward in our current activities!

A brief introduction to the editorial team’s work!

The in-house editorial team keeps its antenna up daily on the SDGs activities of various companies and organizations. In addition to the online magazine on the web, we are also responsible for planning and operating a radio program called “SDGs MAGAZINE” together with Nippon Broadcasting.

Uchimura, a member who serves as deputy editor-in-chief, works hard every day, not only coming up with ideas but also casting guests and attending radio recordings!

The information dissemination through “SDGs MAGAZINE” has attracted attention, and we have had opportunities to speak at SDGs-related events. Last 11 month, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Uchimura participated in a talk session at the SHIBUYA QWS1 anniversary event ‘QWS FES‘ held at Shibuya Scramble Square!

When we spoke with Deputy Editor-in-Chief Uchimura, who works hard every day,

“SDGs are not just for companies, but are relevant to everyone. However, with only ideology and feelings, the information tends to become difficult and preachy. At SDGs MAGAZINE, we want to communicate in an easy-to-understand way about products and services that people can actually pick up and experience—or even just convey an image of something cool. Through our activities, we aim to make SDGs common sense.”

We were able to hear the passionate thoughts about “SDGs MAGAZINE.”

“SDGs MAGAZINE” introduces easy-to-incorporate actions in daily life through the introduction of SDGs-related activities undertaken by companies and organizations.

We would be delighted if reading “SDGs MAGAZINE” could provide ”a small insight” into how you can live your life starting today to contribute to achieving SDGs goals.

Companies and organizations that are unsure about how to approach SDGs are also encouraged to refer to the case studies and familiar examples introduced in the articles!

The protagonists of SDGs are each and every person who exists on this planet. Let’s start with “one thing we can do”!

Examples of social actions and SDGs initiatives undertaken by SUNNY SIDE UP GROUP can be found here.

About the Author

Sunny-chan

The group PR representative devoted to “sunny-side-up eggs.”Keeping antennas up both inside and outside the company, they are on the lookout for the “next fun commotion” and sharing it.From member-led projects to in-house events, they cover the widest range of article categories in the company! Their most immediate goal is to “reach 3,000 followers onthe official Twitter”!