25Muraoka: Development Cooperation Charter mentions “evaluation from diplomatic viewpoints.” When formulating this charter, MOFA conducted a review of Japan’s ODA evaluations for the past ten years. Professor Hirono was the chief evaluator for the review. What are your thoughts on “evaluations from diplomatic viewpoints,” such as how ODA that uses tax revenues contributes to diplomatic policies?Prof. Hirono:1. Ideal Japan’s ODA: Promoting "global interests" and "national interests in the narrow sense” It can be said that every country’s foreign policy protects and promotes a broad meaning of national interests. First, the “national interests in the broad sense” includes universal interests which are common to all countries and people in the world, namely “global interests” and “national interests in the narrow sense.” Japan is currently mainstreaming these global interests into its diplomatic policy. If neglecting global interests, no country would be trusted and respected by the world as a responsible member of the international community. “Global interests” means to secure the principles of “freedom from fear, hunger, and ignorance” adopted by the UN Charter. That is, ensuing “human security” through resolution of domestic and international conflict, peacebuilding, poverty eradication, education dissemination, and health promotion. Since then, “freedom from natural and environmental degradations and social discrimination” was added to the definition of global interests. In other words, environment conservation and establishing fair societies have been newly added in response to changes in the international community. Japan considers all of these as global interests and is actively working toward the development and independence of developing countries that are not particularly blessed in economic, social, environmental, and safety aspects. Thus, it is required for Japan’s ODA evaluation to assess from the perspective of promoting global interests. Japan’s diplomatic and ODA policies also have other essential responsibilities, such as promoting its national interests in the narrow sense. That includes Japan’s security and stability, prosperity, ensuring the safety of its nationals, occupying an honored position in the international society, and maintaining good-neighborly and friendly relations. Furthermore, the development of the global environment is crucial for Japan to lead to achieve them. Pursuing national interests in the narrow sense is common among all ODA donor countries, although their specific details, scope, and degree vary from country to country. Not only will they differ depending on the each country's historical background, economic and social structure, dominant values, religious background, but also vary based on individual and security priorities. Therefore, respecting diversity is indispensable in the formulation and implementation of ODA policies. As social divisions are more and more prominent in both at home and abroad in today’s world, the promotion of national interests in the narrow sense should be employed based on transparent and inclusive international rules. Under such circumstances, it is no overstatement to say that there is an urgent need for assistance to enhance global interests. The same can be said for the evaluation.2. Make More Use of Japan’s Strengths: A bridge between developed and developing countries Dissonances are intensifying not only between developed and developing countries, but also among developed countries, among emerging, more developed, and least developed countries, as well as among countries with different political systems, in formulating and implementing international cooperation policies. For example, the America First policy, EU’s refugee policy, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, issues surrounding Russia’s CIS countries, and escalating conflicts in the Middle East are all contributing to the dissonances. Japan is currently a member of the developed countries. However, it has experiences of hardship and pain as a developing country not only under the unequal trade treaty during the modernization of the Meiji period but also as a recipient country during the post-war reconstruction process. Further, despite the recent economic globalization, Japan has a relatively low degree of income disparities compared to other developed countries, and it can be said that there is a minimal tendency for social divisions and conflicts among the people. Japan has a high-level ability to reconcile various interests, which is crucial for promoting smooth international cooperation. It is essential to make full use of this unique strength in this conflicting international community. While encouraging developing countries to accept and observe the international rules from the medium to long-term perspective, Japan should advise Western countries to avoid using urgent and rigid principles. It is essential for Japan to recognize its significant role in bridging between the Western countries and developing countries.3. Create Japan’s Model for International Cooperation Framework: ODA that reflects a donor country’s ability to contribute In promoting international cooperation, it is critical for Japan to encourage ODA donor and recipient countries that overemphasize putting their own country first, to follow the agreed international cooperation rules. A policy of “our country first” is not the problem. The real problem is the fact that ignoring the agreed international cooperation framework will lead to destabilization and mutual distrust of the international community. Therefore, Japan should further advocate this to the international community. Besides, severe and more diverse natural disasters are frequently occurring in various parts of the world, affected by climate change, which requires a more extensive, fast, and effective international cooperation system. Currently, all major ODA donor countries have substantial budget deficits and are experiencing economic growth slowdown. Taking that into account, Japan should establish a role-sharing and cooperation system based on the comparative advantage of each stakeholder as ODA’s important partners, such as private companies, civil society, universities, research institutions, and foundations. Private companies, in particular, have enormous financing, technical, and management capabilities. By doing so, Japan should be able to establish both domestic and international environments to promote “Cooperation that reflects a donor country’s ability to contribute.” Providing this Japan’s new model in international cooperation, Japan should encourage other countries to follow suit. Furthermore, it is also essential to demonstrate leadership in building an international cooperation framework that is rich in cultural diversity as one of Japan’s important diplomatic goals since Japan is aiming to be a nation with a cultural export-driven economy. This can be achieved by further disseminating knowledge, skills, experiences, and values of all levels nationals, appreciated by the international community, along with the unique arts and culture of each country.Aiming for ODA that contributes to peace, prosperity, and stability of the world (global interests), as well as to reinforcement of the “human security” of our country and partners!Ryokichi Hirono (Professor Emeritus of Seikei University, Advisor of the Japan Evaluation Society)
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