The Suntory Group, as a participating company in the Japan Water Stewardship Leadership Group (JWS)*, co-hosted the launch event for the latest version of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard, Version 3.0, together with AWS on March 18, 2026, at Suntory World Headquarters in Tokyo.

Held in Japan ahead of the official global launch in other regions around the world, and timed to coincide with World Water Day designated by the United Nations, the event brought together 60 representatives from government, businesses, and NGOs committed to advancing water stewardship.

The first session opened with remarks from the CEO of AWS, followed by an overview of the AWS Standard Version 3.0, opportunities for water stewardship in Japan, and an introduction to global trends in water-related challenges.

The second session, titled "From Standards to Action: Advancing Water Stewardship with AWS Standard Version 3.0," was conducted in a workshop format including a Q&A session. Participants engaged in active discussions on how to promote effective collective actions at the catchment level.

Adrian Sym, Chief Executive Officer of AWS, commented:

"In a world in which the water cycle is intensifying, climate change is increasing unpredictability, water quality concerns are growing, and businesses face rising scrutiny and consumer expectations, Version 3.0 equips companies to respond to these realities with greater confidence and effectiveness."

As a JWS participating company, the Suntory Group will continue to lead the advancement of water stewardship in Japan, working collaboratively with AWS.

* The Japan Water Stewardship Leadership Group is a leadership group who will promote responsible water resource management in the basin amongst companies based in Japan, and will create an environment in which organizations across sectors can work together to conserve water resources in the basin, thereby spearheading corporate responses to water risks that become apparent in basins both in Japan and overseas.