September 6th 2018, at Vietnam Japan University, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Food Safety Teru Fukui gave a special lecture on “Ethical Consumption” (Ethical Consumption) toward ethical globe.
Lecture on Ethical Consumption by Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Food Safety Teru Fuikui
According to the lecture, consumer behavior is placed in the perspective of community in life. Thereby, consumers consider their own social issues for each person in society and conduct consumer activities based on the viewpoint of fair benefits for the whole society.
In a more understandable way, a consumer who conducts ethical consumption behavior when purchasing ethically produced goods is not harmful to the environment or society. A simple example of ethical consumption behavior is when consumers refuse to use products made by exploiting workers’ labor.
The objects in the frame of reference are ethical including: People (Products with support for people with disabilities, …), Society (Products with fairness in the network, …), Environment (Eco products, recycled products, certified environmental protection products, …), Area (Local production, disaster-affected area products, …), Animals (Produce Products do not perform animal tests, …).
Minister Teru Fukui emphasized that “Ethical consumption” is also evaluated as one of the actions committed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), more specifically expressed in the section. “Ensure responsibility in production and consumption”. The content of “17 goals to change the world” has been unanimously resolved until 2030, all SDGs are directed to all developed and developing countries, With the spiritual key is “Don’t leave anyone behind”, SDGs aim to transform into a sustainable and poverty-free society.
Minister Teru Fukui emphasized that “ethical consumption” is an important factor for sustainable development
A student asked questions to Minister Teru Fukui
According to the summary of the Ethical Consumption Research Board in April 2017 in Japan, the level of community awareness about “Ethical Consumption” or “Ethical Consumption” is less than 10%, although, the survey of ethical consumption according to the Research Department shows that about 30% of consumers commented that “Ethical consumption” is necessary for the later era.
The statistics show a growing interest in “Ethical consumption” for the sustainable development of society, reflected in characteristics despite the low moral consumption understanding. However, consumers understand the basic concepts and realize the value of this action with the development of society.
Ethical consumption will be the factor that balances the value of three factors: consumers, businesses and authorities. Enhancing consumer awareness of daily consumer behavior, improving corporate social responsibility in local goods and development under the view of human rights and the environment.
