Gender Equality Is Essential to Realizing Responsible Innovation in the AI Era

Yutaka Sasaki, Representative Director, President & CEO, NTT DATA Group Corporation

 IWD 2026

On International Women’s Day, I am pleased to join colleagues across the NTT DATA Group around the world in marking this important occasion.

This year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” conveys an important message: actions rooted in mutual respect and the sharing of opportunities ultimately lead to sustainable growth for organizations and for society as a whole. I believe that advancing gender equality is a clear embodiment of this principle.

What we strive for is an environment where everyone—regardless of gender—feels safe to speak up, empowered to take on challenges, and fairly recognized for their contributions. When individuals choose to give opportunities to others, trust is built and diverse perspectives take root within the organization. Over time, this accumulation leads to meaningful gains in new value creation. Gender equality is not merely an ideal; it is realized through everyday decisions and actions.

As technology continues to evolve rapidly, with AI playing an increasingly central role, our commitment to responsible innovation has never been more important. To put responsible innovation into practice, it is essential that people with diverse backgrounds are at the center of decision-making and value creation. I am confident that advancing gender equality is an investment in NTT DATA’s future—and one that will deliver sustainable and tangible gains.

As a global company operating across regions and cultures, we will continue to place inclusion and respect for every voice at the core of our organization, fostering an environment where everyone can grow and succeed as their authentic selves.

On this International Women’s Day, let us recommit to giving to one another, learning from each other, and working together to make this the place where people grow.