Japan's Official Development Assistance White Paper 2007
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FOREWORD
The international environment surrounding Japan has been constantly changing. Confronted by the changes, Japan has consistently relied on peaceful means to address issues that the international community has been facing, and to realize Japan's national interests. Official Development Assistance (ODA) is one of the most important and effective means for us to do this.
In 2008, Japan will provide a platform for international debate as it hosts the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit and the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV). In order for Japan to exercise leadership on these occasions, further utilization of ODA is essential. Taking this point into consideration, this White Paper on Japan's International Cooperation features efforts to address climate change issues and provide assistance to Africa. In addition, it focuses on individuals who carry out Japan's international cooperation. They are not only government officials but also people from non-governmental organizations and private companies, who are playing an active role in the field in developing countries. It would not be an exaggeration to say that their sincere endeavors increase the sense of trust in Japan and Japanese people in the international community.
I would like to share with you the words by Mr. Masahiro Hara, who is a JICA expert working in Niger, in Column 3.
"Motivation and capability to change the status quo are inherent in every individual, and in every community, like groundwater. This project worked as a pump to draw such water from a well."
As in these remarks, Japan's development assistance aims to maximize people's power to pursue growth and development in developing countries.
It is my sincere wish that this White Paper will be a key to open the door of international cooperation for the people of Japan, and an opportunity to promote your understanding of, and support for, Japan's development assistance.
December 2007
