Formulation of the Initiative for Disaster Reduction through ODA

January 17, 2005

To comprehensively cope with natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes, on the occasion of the United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction to be held from January 18 (Tue) in Kobe, Hyogo, the Government of Japan will announce in the host country's statement, to be delivered by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Japan's policy on disaster reduction and an Initiative for Disaster Reduction through ODA (Official Development Assistance) to strengthen efforts for that purpose.
As this initiative further strengthens the need for assistance for the self-help efforts of developing countries and for disaster prevention, and proposes consistent cooperation in accordance with each phase of the disaster, it lays out an important approach in coping skillfully with such natural disasters as tsunamis. Based on this initiative, Japan intends to proactively promote cooperation in disaster reduction through dialogs with developing countries, making effective use of Japan's rich experience, expertise, and excellent technology.
In the field of disaster reduction, Japan has extended cooperation at the highest global standards including provision of about 33 billion yen in FY 2003, and has also played a proactive role in disaster reduction cooperation utilizing its experience, human resources and technology.

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