*4 The "20/20 Initiative" for Social Development

Under this initiative, developing countries are to commit 20% of their national budget, and developed countries 20% of their ODA, to such areas in social development as to be given priority to human development (basic education, basic health services, drinking water, family planning, etc.). Proposed by the United Nations Development Program ( UNDP ), it was decided at the World Summit for Social Development (hosted by the United Nations in March 1995) that the goals of the 20/20 Initiative would be implemented by countries in agreement with the initiative's objective. Japan has met the goal of this initiative, as the annual share of social development commitments in its bilateral development assistance has exceeded the 20% mark in every year from 1993 to 1998.