Section 2 Japan’s International Cooperation (Development Cooperation and Response to Global Issues)

Overview

(Development Cooperation Charter and Strategic use of ODA)

More than sixty years have passed since Japan started its Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 1954. Japan’s development cooperation policy including ODA has greatly contributed to securing the peace, stability, and prosperity of the international community and consequently the national interests of Japan for many years.

On the other hand, the international situation with regard to development cooperation is at a major crossroad. The world is facing more diverse and complex challenges. These challenges are increasingly widespread, transcending national borders as the world is increasingly globalized. Furthermore, considering the growing roles of recent non-ODA public/private funds (companies, local governments, NGOs, etc.) and support from emerging countries, it is important to collect the wisdom and actions of developing countries as well as developed countries and various non-governmental resources. In this new era, it is essential for ensuring the national interests that Japan should consider development cooperation as a part of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation, and strategically use ODA to address development and human rights issues, while continuing to adhere to the course that Japan has taken to date as a peace-loving nation. The Development Cooperation Charter approved by the Cabinet in February 2015 was established based on this recognition.

For Japan, development cooperation is one of the most important diplomatic tools and is essential for its proactive contribution to peace and stability of the international community, ranging from emergency humanitarian assistance such as measures for refugees in the Middle East and Africa and these against disasters to economic and social development in developing countries such as infrastructure development and human resource development. In addition, it is also an important national interest for Japan to vitalize its economy through the development of developing countries and to grow together with them. As mentioned in the “Japan Revitalization Strategy” and the “Infrastructure System Export Strategy” (both revised in June 2015), Japan must make strategic use of ODA to further promote overseas operations by Japanese companies.

Japan contributes to the international community not only by the implementation of development cooperation but also through its philosophy. For example, “human security” – a concept that pursues the right of individuals to live with happiness and in dignity through their protection and empowerment - is a guiding philosophy Japan has traditionally promoted. This philosophy is reflected in the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” adopted by the UN in September, as well.

Such efforts of Japan have won both high praise and trust from the international community. We must continue and strengthen the efforts in the future so that Japan can strongly lead the international community as a major responsible country in the world and ensure an international environment and order in line with Japan’s national interests.

(Response to Global Issues)

While globalization has resulted in dramatic economic and social development worldwide, it has also brought about diverse threats to human security. The threats include conflict, terrorism, disasters, global environmental issues such as climate change, global health issues including infectious diseases, human trafficking, refugee issues, labor issues, and economic crises. These global issues cannot be addressed by one country alone. The international community must work together based on the concept of human security. The year 2015 was a “milestone year” because new frameworks for these global issues were formulated.

In September, new global development goals namely “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” was adopted, because the year 2015 is the target completion year of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In the area of disaster risk reduction, which is essential to realize sustainable development, the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030” was adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai in March, and the resolution to designate November 5 as “World Tsunami Awareness Day” was adopted by consensus at the UN General Assembly in December. Japan promoted the mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction through playing a significant role for these adoptions. In the area of health, Universal Health Coverage (UHC)¹, which Japan has been promoting, is incorporated as one of the development goals. Japan decided the “Basic Design for Peace and Health” in September, and held the international conference on UHC in December. Furthermore Prime Minister Abe contributed article to the Lancet, the world’s leading medical journal. Through these contributions, Japan has led the global promotion of UHC and the reinforcing the global health architecture to strengthen responses to public health emergencies.

In the area of climate change, the Paris Agreement, a fair and effective framework with participation from all countries, was adopted at the 21^st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 21) in December. Prime Minister Abe announced “Action for Cool Earth 2.0”: Japan would provide approximately 1.3 trillion yen of public and private climate finance in 2020 to support developing countries, and enhance its innovative technologies. Through the announcement Japan helped create momentum toward the adoption on the Paris Agreement.

The year 2015 was a “milestone year,” while the year 2016 is an “implementation year” for global issues. Japan will continue to promote human security and address global issues even more proactively especially in the areas where Japan has abundant expertise, in partnership with other countries, international organizations, and the civil society such as disaster risk reduction, health, women’s empowerment, and education under the Global Partnership (GP). In 2016, Japan will take the lead in efforts of the international community through various opportunities including the G7 Ise-Shima Summit and TICAD VI.

Arctic issues are coming up for debate in the international arena, as changes in the Arctic environment caused by global warming have brought about new possibilities such as the use of the Arctic Sea Routes and the development of natural resources, and at the same time it is pointed out that a serious impact on the vulnerable natural environment of the Arctic could also be caused by these changes. Japan adopted “Japan’s Arctic Policy” with a view to contribute to the international community as a main player in addressing these issues. With this as a trigger, Japan will participate even more actively in formulation process of international rules concerning the Arctic, through such initiatives as further strengthening its contribution to activities of the AC and demonstrating its view and efforts on Arctic issues at occasion of bilateral and multilateral meetings other than the AC.

• 1 All people living on Earth receive basic health care services.

(Science and Technology Diplomacy)

Science and technology constitute the foundational elements for peace and prosperity that support socioeconomic development, and play a vital role in security. In this regard, there is a high level of international interest in and expectations for Japan’s advanced science and technology. Japan, through cooperation in science and technology, has been contributing to the development of science and technology at home and abroad, the promotion of relations with other countries, the peace and stability of the international community, and the resolution of global challenges. Japan is also placing emphasis on building a structure to effectively promote “science and technology diplomacy,” as evidenced in the appointment of the Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2015.