An online international symposium was co-sponsored by the Japan Construction Project Management Method Association and the PPP Promotion and Support Organization, with Professor Michael Sandel of Harvard University as the keynote speaker. In the panel discussion, Naoko Ishii (Professor of the University of Tokyo, former CEO of the World Bank Global Environment Facility), Kengo Kuma (architect), and Shu Yamaguchi (author) took the stage to discuss the divisions in society that have become apparent due to the corona crisis. We talked about what we need to overcome and the future of coexistence that each of us envisions.

In addition, we deeply apologize for the inconvenience that many people could not watch due to connection problems on the day. For those who have applied for 3,300 people, we will inform you about the archive distribution.

<Keynote Speech>

Professor Sandel first raised the points of how to expand the common ground of common good and restore ethical ties regarding the challenges of our civil society. He argues that one of the causes of division and inequality is the excessive neo-liberal economy, that he disagrees with the idea of maximizing shareholder value, and that the traditional Japanese idea of “three-way good” is a healthier way of thinking. she said.

Next, he cited the expansion of the idea of meritocracy success as a reason for the expansion of division. He points out that one factor is the idea that success is an evaluation of one’s ability, and that the winner is the achievement that deserves it. The top 1% of Americans have more students than the bottom 50% at top US universities. He pointed out that in most societies, highly educated people are forgotten to be a minority.

“Then what should we do?” He proposes re-questioning meritocratic success and respecting the value of work. Covid-19 has widened the gap between work that can be done from home and field work, but she emphasizes that this is also an opportunity to realize the importance of essential work. As for the meaning of success, he emphasized that we should humbly think that we just happened to be lucky, and that this will contribute to overcoming divisions and rifts in society.

Professor Michael Sandel

<Panel discussion>

We listened to Professor Sandel’s keynote speech and discussed what is necessary to overcome divisions.

Professor Ishii pointed out that global environmental problems and the division of society are the two major crises facing humanity, and that we are at the stage where we humans must change the state of our economy and society. Architect Kuma pointed out that in 20th-century centralized cities such as New York, skyscrapers symbolize the wealthy and low-rise buildings symbolize the poor. argued that it should be evaluated. Mr. Yamaguchi pointed out that we should humbly accept the talents that we have been given, and that even people in the upper echelons of society are not happy at a time when inequality is widening due to meritocracy. Based on the statements of the three, Professor Sandel summarized that the common theme is to stop being one’s ruler, and that the source is “humility.”

Panel Discussion

In the second half, we talked about the symbiotic future that each of us envisioned. Professor Ishii commented that what is important is a sense of belonging to the community, and that cities will lead climate change measures in the future. Professor Kuma said that the role of parks, which Mr. Sandel pointed out, is important, and she said that the effective use of road space in the city is the key. Mr. Yamaguchi pointed out that even if the system changes, nothing will change unless people change.

 Finally, Professor Sandel praised the humble attitude of Ohtani, who won the MVP award in the major leagues. On top of that, he emphasized the importance of creating a forum for public discussion and providing opportunities for discussion based on questions from the floor. Following the discussion, Moderator Uemura summed up the real meaning of a smart city by creating a place where diverse people can gather and create opportunities for discussion in order to realize diversity.

 We would like to thank everyone who applied and the member companies who supported us.