The Nippon Foundation to Cohost the World’s First Accountability Summit on Disability Inclusion with Valuable 500, Nikkei in December 2025
Published on September 9, 2024
The Nippon Foundation will cohost the SYNC25 Summit, the world’s first Accountability Summit on Disability Inclusion, in Tokyo on December 3-4 with the Valuable 500, a network grouping 500 global companies working to end disability exclusion, and Nikkei, Japan’s leading business media group.
The event is expected to bring together Valuable 500 CEOs, C-suite leaders, next-generation leaders, and representatives from the global disability community to review progress, set agendas, and accelerate inclusion for 1.3 billion people living with disabilities worldwide.
SYNC25 represents a pivotal moment in the campaign’s journey to end disability exclusion in the business landscape worldwide, marking the start of a decade of accountability for Valuable 500 companies.
The event name is a nod to the concept of Synchronized Collective Action (SCA), which lies at the heart of the Valuable 500’s mission. It is a reminder that unstoppable transformation cannot happen alone; with all of us doing the same thing, at the same time, in the same way, real transformative change can happen.
For SYNC25, Nikkei will serve as the official media partner, leveraging its extensive reach and expertise to amplify the summit’s message and impact.
The Nippon Foundation has served as the sole Global Impact Partner of the Valuable 500, providing a total of $7 million for its funding since 2021 to further disability inclusion and systemic change within business.
A long-standing advocate for disability inclusion, the foundation will continue to provide invaluable strategic support for systemic change in business and ensure the success of the event.
To close the summit, The Nippon Foundation’s renowned True Colors Festival will serve as the entertainment spotlight, featuring performances by internationally acclaimed singers, dancers and musicians with disabilities. This celebration of diversity and inclusion through the performing arts will provide a powerful and inspiring finale to the summit.
Ms. Katy Talikowska, CEO of the Valuable 500, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Nikkei and The Nippon Foundation for SYNC25. Nikkei’s global reach and influence will help us amplify the urgent need for disability inclusion, while The Nippon Foundation’s unwavering support and advocacy will be crucial in making SYNC25 a resounding success. Together, we will create a truly transformative event that will accelerate progress towards a more inclusive world for the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities.”
Managing Director Kiyoyuki Uchiyama of Nikkei Inc., noted: “We are very honored to cohost SYNC25. There is a growing focus on the responsibility and role of the business community for disability inclusion. Through the dissemination of information by our group media, Nikkei Inc. will work with the Valuable 500 and The Nippon Foundation to drive changes in awareness and behavior among all stakeholders.”
Executive Director Ichiro Kabasawa of The Nippon Foundation said that the foundation “is dedicated to creating a truly inclusive society by championing the social participation of people with disabilities. For decades, we have collaborated with governments, international organizations, and organizations led by persons with disabilities around the globe. Through these efforts, we have learned a crucial lesson: real societal change begins with businesses. In December 2025, Tokyo will be the epicenter where global business leaders unite to spearhead transformative initiatives. Together with our corporate partners, The Nippon Foundation is committed to forging long-term collaborations to build a better, more inclusive world.”
SYNC25 will be an accessible, hybrid event with opportunities to participate both in person and online. It is expected to bring together up to 650 participants, according to the organizers.
Launched at the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2019, the Valuable 500’s membership includes Apple, Deloitte, Dentsu, Fujitsu, Google, Hitachi, HSBC, Microsoft, Nestle, NTT Group, P&G, The Coco-Cola Company and Sony.
We decided to support the Valuable 500 as thus far there has not been much visible progress in the employment of persons with disabilities worldwide, no matter what declarations or decisions the United Nations or international conferences have made.
With Valuable 500 CEOs, next-generation leaders and representatives from the global disability community participating, I sincerely hope that SYNC25 will be a “game changer” to transform the global business system to better serve the 1.3 billion persons with disabilities and lead us toward a truly inclusive world.