ODA is Japan’s most important diplomatic instrument. Today, when the international situation surrounding Japan is undergoing significant changes, the importance and effectiveness of ODA is increasing. With the aim of realizing a free, prosperous and stable international community, Japan provides assistance to countries that share fundamental values and the strategic interests. To this end, it is necessary to pursue strategic and effective utilization of ODA.
　As globalization keeps on accelerating today, threats to mankind are becoming more diverse and serious. Those threats include the internationalization of domestic conflicts, terrorism, spread of infectious diseases, human trafficking and refugee issues accompanying the expansion of migration, economic crises, spread of poverty, worsening social disparity, climate change, environmental issues, natural disasters, and so on. In order to address these outstanding global issues we need to strengthen cooperation with the international community based on human security as a guiding principle, toward the shared goals of achieving the MDGs, transition to green economy, and realization of sustainable development.
　Japan believes that achieving the MDGs, the common development goals shared by the international community, is indispensable for realizing human security. As such, Japan continues to contribute proactively and plays a leading role in the efforts of the international community to achieve the MDGs. Furthermore, Japan believes that even after 2015, the target date of the current MDGs, it is necessary to establish a successive framework for the international community to work collaboratively. For this, Japan has been taking a leadership role in formulating an effective post-2015 development agenda (post-MDGs). Japan’s leadership in the international community and foreign aid based on human security has been contributing to increase confidence in Japan.
　In order to contribute to the solution of these global issues, Japan must consolidate all of its efforts. In the field of ODA, a greater variety of actors outside the government are now involved in the provision of assistance. These include local municipalities, NGOs, private companies and universities, and the Government has been striving to strengthen cooperation with these actors.
　It is essential to gain broad public understanding and support in providing ODA. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued to undertake initiatives designed to improve the efficiency and transparency of the assistance. More specifically, the Ministry held seven meetings of the Development Project Accountability Committee, which was launched last year. There have been 1,280 projects posted on the ODA Visibility website, which was launched for the purpose of increasing transparency of the projects and broadcasting the progress and outcomes of ODA projects systematically.
　ODA has been beneficial to Japan itself. For instance, in its effort to support the economic development of Japan through ODA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working to improve the trade and investment environment by resuming Private Sector Investment Finance by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and introducing the ODA Loan with Currency Conversion Option scheme. The Ministry has also conducted investigations on the products and technologies of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to determine their needs and potential for project application. The Ministry has also undertaken and expanded measures to support overseas expansion of SMEs, such as Overseas Volunteering Program in Collaboration with Private Sector, designed for development of human resources for adapting to globalization, needed by SMEs.
　Sustainable development is an issue for both developing and developed countries. Japan places sustainable development as one of its diplomatic priorities and leads international discussions on this subject. Japan announced “the Green Future” at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) held in June 2012. This Initiative includes promotion of the transition to a green economy, and is being steadily implemented by Japan.
　As for climate change, which poses a threat to global sustainability, two working groups concluded their works at COP18 and an environment that allows the international community to focus on the development of a new international framework after the Kyoto Protocol is now in place. As a part of its initiatives to facilitate regional or bilateral cooperation in achieving low carbon growth in the world, Japan has actively promoted concrete measures, including holding the East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership Dialogue and advocating the Joint Crediting Mechanism. Japan will continue to play a leading role in negotiations for a new framework.
　Following the recent growing international debate on issues concerning the Arctic Region, such as those on the environmental issues, the opening of navigation routes and the development of natural resources, Japan is strengthening its involvement in the debate by, for instance, submitting a formal application for permanent observer status at the Arctic Council. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established the Arctic Task Force (ATF) in order to facilitate cross-sectoral discussions on Japan’s foreign policy on the Arctic and to advance appropriate policies. Under the ATF, members regularly share relevant information and exchange views. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also holds study groups on the issues surrounding the Arctic Region.
　Concerning Antarctica, the Antarctic Treaty adopted in 1959 introduces basic principles such as (1) the use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes, (2) freedom of scientific investigation and international cooperation, and (3) a freeze on territorial rights and claims. In keeping with these basic principles, Japan promotes research and observation activities, and is committed to the conservation of the Antarctic environment in accordance with the 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. Japan contributes to the maintenance of the Antarctic Treaty System.
　The international society holds a high level of interest and expectation in Japan’s science and technology which is at the highest level in the world. Japan aims to realize sustainable growth and resolve global issues by working more actively with other nations through cooperation in the field of science and technology. To this end, Japan has been making efforts in advancing cooperation based on the bilateral science and technology cooperation agreements, dispatching scientists and experts, conducting large scale international scientific development projects, and promoting ODA in the field of science and technology.