Japan's Official Development Assistance White Paper 2008
Next PageMain Text > Part III Official Development Assistance in FY2007 > Chapter 3 International Trends of Assistance and Japan's Commitments > Section 3. Trends in the United Nations and Other Organizations and Japan's Commitments > 2. Trends in the United Nations
In 2007 the UN General Assembly promoted the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review (TCPR) for the UN Development System. This time, evaluations and review were made on the adequacy and efficiency of aid offered for developing countries by UN development organizations. Specifically, themes of the discussions included development of financial functions and state capacities and development effects, and enhancement of the functions of the UN Development System. Moreover, in December 2007, it was decided to hold a meeting aimed at the confirmation of the state of progress in aid for African countries, identification of new issues, and clarification of the future roadmap. In response, the international community held a high-level meeting on Africa's development needs in September 2008. At this meeting, Japan presented to the international community the results of TICAD IV and the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit.
ECOSOC enhances its functions as a major organization to implement international development goals agreed at UN meetings and G8 Summits. ECOSOC decided to hold the Development Cooperation Forum (DCF) every second year in response to the resolution to enhance ECOSOC functions at UN Summit in 2005 and the General Assembly in 2006. This forum is aimed at reviewing the development strategies, policies, and loan situations of respective countries. The forum's major goals are to enhance the consistency of activities by various development partners and strengthen the overall connections among operations of UN organizations. In July 2008, the forum was held for essentially the first time following preparatory meetings. Areas discussed in the forum include results-oriented development goals, such as the modality of assistance to achieve the MDGs, enhancement of aid efficiency, and in particular South-South cooperation and Triangular cooperation. Japan introduced to the international community its successful methods such as third country training and the South-South Cooperation Partnership Program. Japan also expressed its opinions concerning support for Africa, including the TICAD process, through third country training.