Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) is a non-profit, independent, non-partisan think tank established in 2004 that views dementia as a global-level health policy issue and that has worked continuously to advance dementia policy around the world. Under its stated mission of “promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration for dementia policy,” the HGPI Dementia Policy Project aims to deepen relationships with diverse stakeholders while conducting surveys and research and offering policy recommendations. These activities are based on three pillars: (1) building a global platform; (2) emphasizing the perspectives of those most affected; and (3) identifying and disseminating policy issues.

It goes without saying that the roles of parties like the government, civil society, and healthcare and long-term care professionals will be vital for achieving a dementia-inclusive society, but we must not overlook the roles of companies, which supply society with various products and services and that enable people to maintain their livelihoods in their essential role as employers. Perspective 3 of HGPI’s April 2024 policy recommendations titled, “Three Necessary Perspectives for Formulating the Basic Plan for the Promotion of Policies on Dementia: Creating a Society That is Inclusive for All People at All Times” reads, “Establish employment and support systems that enable people living with dementia and family caregivers to stay in the workforce.” The recommendations highlighted that historically, the role of companies in dementia policy has primarily consisted of engaging in social contributions or CSR activities, such as providing dementia support or helping to make society barrier-free, or by serving as providers of products and services. Regarding the roles of companies in the future, our recommendations express anticipation for companies to proactively advance efforts to recognize dementia as an issue that affects them and to further enhance the employment environment and support.

The Basic Act on Dementia to Promote an Inclusive Society (or, the Basic Act on Dementia) came into effect on January 1, 2024 and designates September as “Dementia Month” and September 21 as “Dementia Day.” These correspond to World Alzheimer’s Month and World Alzheimer’s Day. We will be holding an HGPI Seminar to commemorate Dementia Month and World Alzheimer’s Month in 2024. At this seminar, our aim is to examine case studies from companies in various industries that are involved in dementia to ascertain where industry is today in the effort to create a dementia-inclusive society, and to consider what role industry should fulfill in the future.

[Event Overview]

• Date & Time: Thursday, September 19, 2024; from 15:00 to 17:00 JST
• Format: Online (Zoom webinar) (Not available for recording)
  *The presentation slides and edited recording will be shared with individual supporting members only at a later date.
• Language: Japanese
• Participation Fee: Free
• Capacity: 500 participants

[Program]