Japan's Official Development Assistance White Paper 2005
Next PageColumn II-1 An Interview with UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Mr. Hafiz Pasha
UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Mr. Hafiz Pasha (Photo: Japan Center for Intercultural Communications)
We interviewed with Mr. Hafiz Pasha, Director of Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is in charge of Indonesia and other countries. UNDP is one of the main assistance organizations of the United Nations.
Q: With regard to the Indian Ocean Tsunami, could we have your comments about the international assistance, as well as about Japan's response?
As you know, this tsunami was an unprecedented catastrophe. And yet, it is noteworthy that, on the occasion of this unfortunate incident, amazingly enormous international support has been provided from immediately after the disaster. On behalf of the United Nations, I would like to express our appreciation to Japan's support as well.
Q: What do you think of Japan's assistance, which was pledged one after the other in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster?
Japan has exercised very strong leadership in the area of disaster prevention. As seen from the fact that the English word "TSUNAMI" is originally a Japanese word, Japan is prone to natural disasters like earthquake and tsunami, and is very rich in experiences of coping with those disasters. Japan is also the largest donor to the response to this Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. Following the decision made in the Kobe Conference, the establishment of early warning system is in progress as priority. The preliminary regional early warning system already functioned well in the second huge earthquake which attacked Indonesia, whereby people could be better prepared than before. Also as the United Nations, we would like to continue to support such leadership of Japan.
Q: What do you think the developing countries expect from Japan's ODA in the areas of disaster prevention and recovery?
Japan takes initiatives in dealing with disaster prevention and recovery. Accordingly, the developing countries are expecting Japan to be involved in all the phases from disaster prevention, to emergency relief immediately after disaster, and reconstruction assistance. Japan focuses on the establishment of early warning system and the capacity building of communities for disaster preparedness. Japan's initiatives overlaps with UNDP's areas of assistance, and I am fully supportive of such initiatives.
When providing assistance, it is very important to take in consideration the local context of the target areas and employ technologies which are rooted in those communities. Take earthquake-resistant building as an example. The modern technology may not always solve all the problems, but sometimes it is more effective to utilize the building technology and local building materials which have been used there over many years.
Q: Please tell us what you expect from Japan in the future.
Japan has done wonderful jobs in the phase of relief. Thanks to support of Japan, there have been no infectious diseases in the affected areas, the victims could move into temporally shelters, and the basic services were provided. I am hoping that Japan will continue to exercise its leadership in the areas of disaster prevention or recovery, and provide swift and appropriate assistance like this time.