Japan's Official Development Assistance White Paper 2012

(3) NGO Assistance and Participation in Activities

The most familiar examples of citizen participation in international cooperation are support for NGOs that engage in international cooperation and participation in those activities. The number of Japan's NGOs expanded greatly since the enactment of the "Act on the Promotion of Specified Non-profit Activities" (NPO Act) in 1998 and progress of legal provisions. There are said to be around 400 organizations actually engaged in international cooperation activities. MOFA is strengthening collaboration with NGOs which it considers to be essential partners in promoting the "Visibility of Japanese Aid." More specifically, MOFA financially cooperates projects implemented overseas by Japan's NGOs, (such as Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects), and implements projects aimed to enhance the capabilities of NGOs. It is expected that Japan's NGOs broaden ODA horizons, develop excellent human resources in the area of international cooperation, and play a role to promote the "Visibility Japanese Aid". (For further details on partnership with NGOs, see this)

Local residents and NGO personnel expressing their joy at the opening ceremony of a health post in Zambia. (Photo: TICO)

Local residents and NGO personnel expressing their joy at the opening ceremony of a health post in Zambia. (Photo: TICO)