Summary > CHAPTER 4 Japanese Citizens Active in the International Community and Roles of Diplomacy > 1.Japanese Citizens Active in the International Community

It is increasingly important for the international community to respond to various challenges regarding not only terrorism and conflicts, which threaten political and security frameworks, but also global issues such as violations of human rights, poverty, infectious diseases, and worsening environmental degradation resulting from rapid globalization.

In this context, the roles played by international organizations are intensifying and accordingly the duties and responsibilities of international civil servants working at international organizations have been taking on still greater significance.

Japan intends to play a role in the United Nations and other international organizations befitting its position as a responsible member of the international community. As steps towards that end, Japan seeks to augment the number of Japanese personnel in the United Nations and other international organizations by making efforts to identify qualified candidates while urging international organizations to hire and to promote Japanese staff.

As interest in international cooperation increases among Japanese citizens, the importance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as actors in international cooperation is growing. NGOs vary in the size of their organizations. Domestically, Japan has a large number of small-sized organizations operated by a few full-time staff members and volunteers, while some NGOs undertake large-scale projects through an international network of associate organizations around the world. In addition, Japanese NGOs are engaged in an extensive range of activities, including not only implementing development assistance and emergency humanitarian aid in developing countries, but also making policy recommendations through networks of high degrees of expertise in various fields such as human rights, education, the environment, disarmament, and international organized crime.

Taking into account the importance of such roles of NGOs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to consolidate cooperation with them as vital partners in its promotion of "all Japan" diplomacy, by providing funds for development cooperation projects, supporting the capacity building of NGOs, and promoting dialogue in major diplomatic fields, among other endeavors.

Sanitary aid project in Adrar region, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. (The Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects / photo: SAVE AFRICA)

Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) and Senior Volunteers (SVs) work towards the resolution of problems that foreign countries face by striving together with local people. Their activities are visible representation of Japanese ODA in foreign countries and are widely appreciated around the world, playing a significant role in fostering mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and developing countries.

Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) of infection control teaching how to wash hands with soap in a correct way (Papua New Guinea, photo: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA))

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