The 50th Anniversary of Japan's International Cooperation
(Unofficial Translation)
1. Objectives
Japan's participation in the Colombo Plan on October 6th, 1954 marked the beginning of Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA). Since then, over five decades Japan has significantly contributed to promoting the economic and social development of developing countries, especially in East Asia, and strengthening of bilateral relations.
The Government of Japan by Cabinet decision has designated October 6th as "International Cooperation Day" in order to increase public awareness and participation in international cooperation among the Japanese people. By way of commemorating its history of half century, we would like to consider the future role of Japan's ODA, looking back on the efforts of Japan's ODA in the past decades.
2. Main Activities
| (1) | In order to increase the Japanese people's understanding on international cooperation and pubic participation, various events for the 50th Anniversary will be conducted. (See attached "Schedule Plan of Related Events and Publications") Some important events in October
Oct. 2-3: International Cooperation Festival Oct. 3: Town Meeting (Dialogue on International Cooperation and other topics with the people) Mid Oct: International Cooperation Symposium (The President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), SADAKO OGATA and the representatives of UN and other international organizations will assist.) |
||||
| (2) | "Campaign Period for the 50th Anniversary of the Japan's International Cooperation" is designated for three months from September 1st to November 30th of 2004, centered on "International Cooperation Day (Oct. 6)". The Government and governmental organizations (including, among others, the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Foreign Affaires, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)) will host various symposiums, international cooperation events and others events during these months. |
||||
| (3) | The anniversary will be widely publicized through TV commercial, PR periodical and other publications in Japan. |
||||
| (4) | Various stakeholders including local governments, private sector, NGOs who would like to sensitize their efforts and future plans are welcome to participate in "the 50th Anniversary of Japan's International Cooperation" under the same symbol mark of the 50th anniversary.
Lectures and exhibitions introducing current conditions of developing countries.
Events, seminars, symposiums and introduction of projects by local NGOs, and other civil society actors. |
||||
| (5) | In order to increase public awareness in the recipient countries about Japan's ODA and international cooperation, the Japanese Government will collaborate with recipient country, international organization, the local Task Force team composed of Japanese embassy and other development agencies (JICA, JBIC etc.) and other related bodies.
Some activities already scheduled
|
3. Contact Point
The Economic Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will serve as the secretariat of the Committee of the 50th Anniversary of the Japan's International Cooperation.
- Japan's Official Development Assistance "Accomplishment and Progress of 50 Years" (Pamphlet)
- The 50th Anniversary of Japan's International Cooperation Symposium "The View on the Japanese ODA in the Recipient Countries" (November 2004)
(Open a New Window)Back to Index