REMARKING 20 YEARS OF WATER SUSTAINABILITY: MIZUIKU GLOBAL SUMMIT 2024 CONVENES IN VIETNAM FOR THE FIRST TIME

Hanoi, April 23, 2024 - Suntory PepsiCo proudly hosts the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Mizuiku Global Summit 2024 in Vietnam at the Embassy of Japan. The momentous event brings together distinguished leaders of the Government, including the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Embassy of Japan. Joining them are esteemed representatives from Suntory Holdings, including the Chief Sustainability Officer, and the CEO & General Director of Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam. The summit also welcomes Mizuiku program leaders from various countries, including Thailand, China, New Zealand, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. 

This marks a significant milestone as the Mizuiku Global Summit convened for the first-time outside Japan, with Vietnam as its host nation. This event held from April 23 to 25, 2024 commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Mizuiku program globally and the 10th anniversary of “Mizuiku - I Love Clean Water” in Vietnam.  

Reflecting on the Mizuiku program's 20-year journey, Mr. Masaaki Fujiwara, Chief Sustainability Officer, Suntory, stated: "Two decades ago, we initiated Suntory “Mizuiku – an education program aimed at fostering water conservation and protection among elementary school students. This program stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of water resources. Suntory aspires for this program to transcend time, becoming a lifelong educational journey that is passed on from one generation to the next. Through initiatives like Mizuiku, we hope to enhance the access to clean water for children today and in the future, instill in them a sense of responsibility towards protecting the environment and precious water resources.” 

Vietnam was the first country outside Japan to be chosen for the expansion of the project in 2015, under the name "Mizuiku – I love Clean Water". With the philosophy of "Sustainable Water Development, the program pursues two primary goals: educating elementary school students about water conservation and providing infrastructure support to improve access to clean water for children and communities. 

Mizuiku program is designed comprehensively, with activities both within and outside of schools, stimulates creativity and own thinking among students through active education methods, nurturing their love for and awareness of nature through experiences such as forest expeditions in national parks.    

After almost a decade, "Mizuiku – I Love Clean Water" has been implemented in 24 provinces and cities nationwide, educating over 400,000 elementary school students. The program has also enhanced access to clean water for millions of pupils and teachers through the renovation of school water facilities. The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for the program as it officially collaborated with the Ministry of Education and Training. The teaching materials “Guidelines for organizing teaching and learning about water conservation and protection for primary schools” have been reviewed, approved and integrated into the national primary education curriculum by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam. 

Mr. Jahanzeb Khan, CEO and General Director of Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam emphasized: “As a leading beverage company in Vietnam, we recognize the importance of water throughout our company's activities, and we are actively seeking ways to make a positive impact on water resources. In 2024, we aspire to create an even greater impact, building upon our strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training. Our vision for the Mizuiku program extends beyond merely educating ABOUT water; it is about educating FOR water and fostering sustainable practices that conserve this precious resource." 

Sharing about this remarkable collaboration, Associate Professor Ph.D Nguyen Thanh De, Director General of the Physical Education Department, Ministry of Education and Training, remarked: “Over the years, the Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam has actively implemented various action programs to connect resources and establish a hygienic school environment. These initiatives aim to support and educate the next generation of students on the importance of preserving clean water resources. Among these initiatives, the 'Mizuiku - I Love Clean Water' program stands out as an exemplary initiative of comprehensive partnership between the government and the private sector to achieve a shared goal. It has provided tangible benefits to the community, the environment, society, and the younger generation in Vietnam. The year 2023 represented the first year of partnership in implementing the initiative, and the initial results have been extremely remarkable." 

Amidst the three-day Summit's activities, April 23, 2024, marks the grand announcement of the winners of the "Nurture the flow, Future will grow" photo contest and premiere of the photo exhibition organized by Mizuiku Vietnam under the endorsement of the Embassy of Japan.  

With the theme of “Water” and “Children”, the contest aimed at spreading the essential message of water conservation and environmental protection to the community, particularly the younger generation. With a focus on sustainable development and water resource protection, the competition received hundreds of submissions within three months after its launch in December 2023. 

The "Nurture the flow, Future will grow" Photo Exhibition will be open to the public free of charge from April 23 to May 2, 2024, at the Embassy of Japan at 27 Lieu Giai Street, Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.