Chapter 3
Diplomacy to Defend National Interests through Co-creation with the World
Section 2 Japan's International Cooperation (Development Cooperation and Response to Global Issues)
As the international community faces compound crises, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and global issues, where the presence of developing and emerging countries, also known as the Global South, increased, the realization of a world in which “human dignity” is protected has become an even greater challenge to achieve. In this manner, 2023 was a year in which the importance of Japan's development cooperation was reaffirmed as a way to address these issues.
1 Development Cooperation
(1) Development Cooperation Charter and Japan's ODA Allocation
A Revision of the Development Cooperation Charter
In June, the Cabinet decided on the revision of Development Cooperation Charter, showing a new direction for the country's development cooperation (See the Special Feature on page 271). The reason behind the revision, which marked the first in eight years following 1992, 2003, and 2015, includes that the international community finds itself at a major turning point in history. In other words, the international community is facing compound crises (namely; (1) increasingly serious global issues, such as climate change and infectious diseases, and delay in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), (2) serious challenges to the existing international order and the deepening risk of division, including in supply chains, and (3) the impact on the economies of developing countries and the occurrence of humanitarian crises linked to these crises). The role of development cooperation is becoming increasingly vital in overcoming these crises.
In addition, there is a growing need for development cooperation based on transparent and fair rules in the international community as a whole, given that the debt problem faced by some developing countries has become more serious. At the same time, as the inflow of private-sector financing to developing countries has greatly surpassed public sector funds, including Official Development Assistance (ODA),1 there is an increasing need to maximize the effects of development through collaboration with various actors, including private sector companies and international organizations, and through the mobilization of new funds.
Against this background, Japan revised its Development Cooperation Charter to present a new direction for the country's development cooperation. Under the new Charter, Japan will further strengthen its engagement with developing countries and make more effective and strategic use of development cooperation as one of the most important tools of its diplomacy.
1 ODA : Official Development Assistance Public funds to promote development cooperation, the main purpose of which is to help improve the economic development and welfare of developing countries.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/oda/page_000017.html
B Japan's ODA Allocation
In 2022, Japan provided approximately 17.50 billion U.S. dollars (-0.8% year on year) in ODA,2 based on the grant equivalent system (GE system).3 Japan ranks third among the member states of the OECD/DAC,4 following the U.S. and Germany. The ODA/GNI5 ratio based on the GE system was 0.39%, placing Japan in 16th place among member states of the OECD/DAC (Source: OECD Database (OECD.Stat) (December 2023)).
2 The main modalities of ODA from Japan are: grants including grant aid, debt relief, grants through multilateral institutions and technical cooperation, government loans, and contributions and subscriptions to multilateral institution.
3 Grant Equivalent System (GE system) was introduced by the OECD/DAC in 2018 as the standard method for calculating ODA loans. The grant equivalent of government loans, is calculated as ODA flows. The GE system records the amount of government loans by applying the terms of the loan, such as the amount of loan provided, interest rate and repayment period, to a formula. The more concessional the terms of the loan are, the larger the grant equivalent is. Compared to the net flow system (the full amount of loan is recorded, on the other hand, the amount repaid is counted as negative) that was the standard method used by the OECD/DAC, the GE system measures Japan's actual government loans more accurately.
4 OECD/DAC : Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/Development Assistance Committee
5 GNI : Gross National Income
In June, the Cabinet approved the revised “Development Cooperation Charter,” which sets a new direction for Japan's development cooperation. The main points of the revision are as follows:
(1) Revision of basic policies
The guiding principle is “human security” in the new era, and Japan focuses on “investment in people,” through protection and empowerment of individuals, and has defined the “solidarity” among various actors as one of the pillars, so that each person can live with happiness and dignity.
In addition, Japan has newly adopted the concept of “co-creation,” involving various entities, with developing countries at the core, to jointly create new solutions and social values. Japan also aims to bring back home such values generated in this way and solve its own economic and social issues and to promote economic growth by nurturing the next generation of human resources in both Japan and developing countries.
(2) Three priority policies
First, “quality growth” is becoming increasingly important in this era with compound crises. Accordingly, Japan is providing cooperation to secure the foundation and driving force for economic growth. Japan will also strengthen its efforts to address the challenges that developing countries face today, such as strengthening economic and social autonomy and resilience, including food and energy security, as well as new challenges such as digital transformation.
Second, Japan will endeavor to contribute to the social stability of developing countries, which is a prerequisite for “quality growth,” by supporting the development of legal systems, achieving good governance, providing humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding, and strengthening maritime security capacity. Under the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” Japan will also work with developing countries to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
Third, Japan will address global issues that are closely related to “quality growth.” Global issues such as climate change have a particularly serious impact on vulnerable developing countries. In light of the slow progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Japan will accelerate its efforts, especially in the areas of climate change (improving the response capacity of developing countries for mitigation and adaptation), the environment, health (promoting universal health coverage (UHC)), disaster prevention, and education.
(3) Implementation: three approaches to evolve the implementation of ODA
The first is to maximize development effects through “co-creation” with various actors. Japan has shown its commitment to enhance solidarity with various partners, including private companies, public financial institutions, other donors (countries that share the same objectives and principles of development cooperation), and international organizations and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). Through the strategic use of public funds, including ODA for private finance mobilization and JICA's private-sector investment finance, Japan will support sustainable finance, such as impact investment,1 and work to improve the business environment in developing countries, including human resource development and support for legal system development.
Second, Japan will strengthen its strategic approach through measures such as Co-creation for Common Agenda Initiative. Co-creation for Common Agenda Initiative is a type of cooperation in which Japan proactively proposes an attractive cooperation menu that leverages Japan's strengths, and formulates projects through dialogue and collaboration with the partner country. By choosing and announcing areas to be strategically addressed in light of Japan's foreign policy, Japan will increase predictability and encourage the participation of various entities in projects.
Third, Japan will improve its ODA system. With “flexibility and efficiency” and “rapidity” as keywords, Japan will work constantly to improve the system in response to the times by proposing comprehensive cooperation packages, strengthening involvement in countries with relatively high-income levels through the use of grants and technical assistance, speeding up decision-making in line with the private sector, and improving means of providing emergency humanitarian assistance.
1 Investments that aim to not only secure investment returns but also to consider social issues and contribute to the benefit of the entire economy and society, with intention of creating environmental and social effects (“impact”) (Source: Financial Services Agency website compiled based on https://www.fsa.go.jp/en/news/2022/20221025.html)
(2) Development Cooperation in 2023
In 2023, Japan engaged mainly in the following (A to D below).
A Support for Ukraine and the Global South as well as Response to Humanitarian Crises
To date, Japan has announced and steadily has been providing Ukraine and relevant surrounding countries with assistance totaling 7.6 billion U.S. dollars covering the fields of humanitarian assistance, finance, food, and recovery and reconstruction areas. From the early days of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Japan has quickly implemented humanitarian assistance for Ukrainian displaced persons including in the areas of medical and health, water and sanitation, shelters, food, and protection of women and children, in addition to financial assistance. In response to the destruction of many energy facilities and widespread power outages in various parts of the country due to Russian attacks, Japan provided two large autotransformers which will benefit 500,000 residents in Kyiv in September regarding winterization assistance through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In countries of the Global South, including African nations, food insecurity and shortages have been exacerbated by rising inflation and supply chain disruptions caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, further worsening humanitarian crises there. In response to the resulting global food security issues, Japan is providing food assistance and support to increase food production capacity through bilateral arrangements, international institutions, and NGOs in Japan.
The situation in Palestine and the Gaza Strip is becoming more serious. Japan provided humanitarian assistance totaling approximately 75 million U.S. dollars6 to Palestine, as well as in-kind assistance, such as tents and medical consumables through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Amid the worsening humanitarian situation around the world, the Second Global Refugee Forum (GRF) was held in Geneva in December, with Foreign Minister Kamikawa attending from Japan, which served as one of the co-conveners. Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan hopes for a future where the dreams of each and every refugee and displaced person can be realized. Noting that the concept of Women, Peace and Security (WPS)7 is essential when considering solutions for refugees and displaced persons, she called for strengthening the unity and cooperation of the international community to halt the worsening of the humanitarian situation. In addition, Minister Kamikawa talked about Japan launching the “Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus”8 as a multi-stakeholder pledge as a platform for collaboration among donor countries, host countries, international organizations, and others. She explained that the efforts of HDP Nexus are expanding in Africa.
6 On January 28, 2024, Japan suspended its financial contribution (35 million U.S. dollars) to UNRWA as part of its support for Palestine, following the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in terrorism that was uncovered on January 26, 2024.
7 Women, Peace and Security (WPS) : An approach in which amidst protecting women, women themselves can help move closer to a more sustainable peace by taking leadership positions and participating in conflict prevention, reconstruction, and peace building. In 2000, for the first time in its history, the UN Security Council passed Security Council Resolution 1325 on WPS, which clearly states that international peace and conflict prevention and resolution require the equal participation of women, protection against sexual violence during conflicts, and gender equality.
8 Humanitarian, Development, and Peace Nexus: An approach, whereby, in parallel with humanitarian assistance, development cooperation is provided to support the self-reliance of refugees and reduce the burden on host countries, and peace efforts are promoted to resolve and prevent conflicts that are the root causes.
B Achievement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)
Japan is promoting concrete initiatives utilizing ODA strategically in order to achieve a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” together with the broad range of partners in the international community who share this vision and the Indo-Pacific region, which is a focal point of the world's vitality.
Japan has been developing “quality infrastructure” to strengthen regional connectivity, supporting the development of legal systems, strengthening capacity building in the areas of debt management and macroeconomic policy, and extending capacity building assistance to maritime law enforcement agencies to ensure maritime security (provision of equipment such as patrol vessels and coastal monitoring radars, human resource development, etc.), and will continue to promote these efforts.
In particular, the development of quality infrastructure represents an important foundation for the realization of FOIP.
From this standpoint, it is important to continue to disseminate and implement the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment, endorsed at the G20 Osaka Summit of 2019 as an international standard, including such principles as openness, transparency, economic efficiency in view of life-cycle costs, and debt sustainability.
In its new plan for FOIP, announced in March 2023, Japan will redouble efforts to achieve FOIP, mobilizing more than 75 billion U.S. dollars, representing a total of both private and public infrastructure spending, to grow the Indo-Pacific region by 2030 with other countries.
At the G7 Hiroshima Summit in May 2023, a side event was held jointly by Japan, the U.S., and the European Commission, with the participation of the private sector, on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), an initiative to promote quality infrastructure investment launched at the G7 Elmau Summit in June 2022. At the side event, the G7 expressed their intention to mobilize private capital for infrastructure investment in developing countries, in collaboration with a wide range of actors.
C Addressing Global Issues
Japan's revised Development Cooperation Charter, approved by the Cabinet Office in June , lays out the idea of advancing human security in a new era as its guiding philosophy, and the country is now moving ahead with initiatives to resolve global issues, including achieving the SDGs. Japan will continue to proactively advocate “human-centered international cooperation” in the areas of health, food, nutrition, gender, education, disaster risk reduction, water and sanitation, climate change and environmental issues, including humanitarian assistance. In doing so, Japan will promote visible development cooperation while utilizing collaboration with Japanese NGOs working on international cooperation. Moreover, as humanitarian crises become more protracted and diverse, in addition to humanity and development, Japan will promote humanitarian assistance, including assistance for refugees and displaced persons, poverty reduction, economic and social development, and peacebuilding and nation-building, based on the philosophy of the HDP Nexus, which is redoubling efforts to address the root causes of conflict and provide assistance for maintaining peace.
D Diplomatic Efforts in Support of Japan's Economy
Japan seeks to revitalize its own economy through the development of developing countries and Japan is promoting initiatives for achieving the growth of both.
Specifically, in the future, Japan will promote public-private collaboration, including the co-creation for common agenda initiative in development cooperation, which proposes an attractive cooperation menu to implement development cooperation, and ODA that mobilizes funds from the private sector, as laid out in the new Development Cooperation Charter. In order to have Japan's leading technologies utilized for development in developing countries, Japan will promote the acquisition of business rights and operation rights of Japanese corporations through means such as the provision of grant aid for public projects implemented through public-private partnership and furthermore, offer technical cooperation that contributes to quality infrastructure investment, such as trade facilitation and securing debt sustainability. Additionally, to encourage the overseas expansion of private companies including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and local governments, Japan will increase the visibility of products and equipment that can help resolve issues in developing countries through JICA's private sector partnership in conducting surveys and verification on business models as well as continuously generate demand for these. Through human resource development, Japan will also contribute to advancing the improvement of the business environment, thereby promoting investment and overseas expansion by corporations.
(3) Safety Measures for People Engaged in International Cooperation Projects
Ensuring the safety of people engaged in international cooperation projects against risks such as worsening security conditions due to political instability and natural disasters around the world is essential to the appropriate implementation of development cooperation.
Following the terrorist attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh in July 2016, the “Final Report” was released as the outcome of the review by the Council on Safety Measures for International Cooperation Projects (August 2016). Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and JICA make efforts to implement the safety measures mentioned in the Final Report, continue and enhance actions to ensure the effectiveness of safety measures for people engaged in international cooperation projects.
(4) Initiatives in Major Regions
A East and Southeast Asia
The achievement of peace, stability, and prosperity in the East and Southeast Asia regions are important to Japan, which has a close relationship with these regions. Through development cooperation, Japan has helped these regions to resolve various development issues including poverty reduction, by promoting economic growth and human security and contributed to the development of these regions.
Above all, as member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are keys to achieving FOIP, Japan provides support toward efforts aimed at overcoming issues faced by ASEAN and further promoting integration. Based on the fact that it was confirmed that the principles of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and FOIP match one another at the Japan-ASEAN summit Meeting held in 2020, Japan plans to continue strengthening Japan-ASEAN cooperation going forward in terms of maritime cooperation, connectivity, the SDGs and economy, which are priority fields of the AOIP. In 2023, the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative was announced to further promote efforts to strengthen connectivity in both structural and non-structural. As a result, Japan pledged to strengthen multi-layered connectivity in a wide range of areas, including transport infrastructure development, digital connectivity, maritime cooperation, supply chains, electricity connectivity, as well as human and knowledge connectivity, and to provide capacity building projects for 5,000 individuals over the next three years through technical cooperation. At the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation held in December, the leaders also announced new efforts in public-private partnership for finding solutions through co-creation, aiming to mobilize 35 billion U.S. dollars in private and public funds over the next five years in the ASEAN region by boosting private investment for strengthening connectivity, climate change measures, and support for MSME and startups.
Since there is a large number of Japanese companies doing business and a large resident population of Japanese nationals in the East and Southeast Asian regions, Japan has provided intensive support against COVID-19 in the region, including donations of health- and medical-related equipment and improving health and medical systems through technical cooperation. To date, Japan has provided a total of around 400 billion Japanese yen to Mongolia and Southeast Asian countries based on the economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of its COVID-19 support measures provided within the ASEAN region, Japan continues to support the operations of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.
Japan is actively providing support for capacity building for maritime law enforcement to countries positioned along Japan's sea lanes such as the Philippines and Viet Nam, with the aim of building a free and open international order. Such efforts include providing equipment such as patrol vessels and coastal monitoring radars, as well as human resource development through the dispatch of experts. Furthermore, Japan is providing consistent support to eradicate domestic and regional disparity, and support for the creation of a sustainable society in areas such as disaster risk reduction, environment and climate change, and energy. In 2019, Japan signed the ASEAN-Japan Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and has been providing technical cooperation to the ASEAN Community based on the Agreement. In 2023, Japan provided training on public international law, criminal justice, local industry development, and strengthening local health systems. Japan has also provided cooperation to the Mekong region through the framework of the Japan-Mekong Cooperation, and will continue to contribute to the development of the Mekong countries.
With regards to Myanmar, in response to the worsened humanitarian situation following the coup d'état in February 2021, Japan has been providing humanitarian assistance that directly benefits the population of Myanmar (food, medical supplies, etc.) through international organizations and NGOs.
Indonesia “the Economic and Social Development Programme (Provision of Fishery Monitoring Vessels)” (September, Indonesia; Photo: JICA)
Arresting technique course training for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency by JICA and the Japan Coast Guard (October, Malaysia; Photo: JICA)
B Southwest Asia
Southwest Asia holds strategic importance as a marine transportation hub that connects East Asia with the Middle East, and is also a region with immense economic potential, such as India, where economic growth and massive infrastructure demand are anticipated in the future. On the other hand, the region still faces many unresolved challenges such as undeveloped infrastructure, poverty and natural disasters. Japan provides a range of assistance through ODA to assist the region in overcoming these challenges, bearing in mind the improvement of the investment environment for Japanese companies and advancement of human security.
Japan has been providing support to India, which has a massive population, for the construction of high-speed railways, subways in a number of cities, and sea-crossing roads to support the development of economic and social infrastructure including transportation that contributes to enhancing connectivity and strengthening industrial competitiveness, to realize FOIP. In addition, Japan has supported India's sustainable and inclusive growth by providing the Government of India with assistance for its initiatives to achieve the SDGs, and through such projects as those in the forestry sector including afforestation activities, those in the agricultural sector including aqueduct upkeep and farm operation support, as well as through those in the health sector that help strengthen the medical system. With regard to Bangladesh, under the Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative and the “Development of an Industrial Value Chain connecting the Bay of Bengal and North Eastern Region of India” concept, based on the new plan for FOIP, Japan is providing support which contributes to economic growth, such as for strengthening domestic and regional multi-layered connectivity, developing infrastructure, and improving the investment environment. Japan has decided to provide an Emergency Budget Support Japanese ODA Loan to the Government of Bangladesh, which is seeking to improve its expenditure management amid soaring transportation, food, and energy prices due to the situation in Ukraine and other factors, in order to support its fiscal management reforms. In addition, Japan provided Bangladesh with humanitarian assistance of approximately 3.5 billion Japanese yen in the areas of food aid, shelter renovation, water and sanitation, protection, education, and livelihood improvement for displaced persons from Rakhine State, Myanmar, who continue to face serious food insecurity and other problems. Japan also decided to provide approximately 2.25 billion Japanese yen in livelihood improvement assistance to the surrounding communities that are hosting the displaced persons.
Japan provided assistance totaling 5 billion Japanese yen for Sri Lanka, which has seen the humanitarian situation deteriorate caused by economic crisis after it declared it would stop some payments on external debt in April 2022, to maintain health and medical services and ensure their stable delivery. In addition, Japan decided to support the improvement of infectious waste management (503 million Japanese yen), stabilization of electricity supply at hospitals using renewable energy (1.23 billion yen), and improvement of the livelihoods of fishermen, women, and others in poor and vulnerable areas such as northern provinces. With regards to Pakistan, Japan announced that it will provide Pakistan with aid of 77 million U.S. dollars in 2023 and beyond for such areas as disaster risk reduction, health, and agriculture as additional assistance once domestic procedures are completed at the meeting of donors held in Geneva in January in response to the floods that struck the country. As part of this, Japan decided to extend funding (794 million Japanese yen) to nine girls' elementary schools damaged in the flooding for repair work.
Newborn baby room at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, newly established with Japan's support (October, Islamabad, Pakistan)
C Pacific Island Countries
The Pacific Island countries are not only Japan's “neighbors,” connected by the Pacific, but also have deep historical connections with Japan. Moreover, as these countries possess a vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ, areas where a country's economic right reaches), they are a key region for maritime transportation for Japan, and also provide vital fishing grounds for Japan's distant-water bonito and tuna fisheries. Therefore, the stability and prosperity of the Pacific Island countries are of great importance to Japan.
The Pacific Island countries share common issues that are unique to small island states, such as smaller economies, territories that are scattered over a wide ocean area, difficulty in breaking into the international market, and vulnerability to damages from natural disasters. In light of these circumstances, Japan, as a partner of the Pacific Island countries, is providing support to boost their autonomous and sustainable development.
In particular, based on the five priority areas announced at the Ninth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM9) held in July 2021, namely, (1) COVID-19 Response and Recovery, (2) Sustainable Oceans based on the Rule of Law, (3) Climate Change and Disaster Resilience, (4) Strengthening Foundations for Sustainable and Resilient Economic Development, and (5) People-to-People Exchanges and Human Resource Development, Japan is helping strengthen health and medical systems by providing medical containers as COVID-19 countermeasures. Japan is also providing maritime security related equipment for keeping sustainable oceans based on the rule of law in Oceania with its expansive EEZ and assistance for upgrading power transmission systems to promote the introduction of renewable energy.
Furthermore, in June 2022, Japan joined Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP),9 launched as an initiative to coordinate the approaches of various countries for providing more effective and efficient assistance to Pacific Island countries. Together with Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the U.S., Germany, Canada and others, Japan has confirmed the need to strengthen partnerships and commitments with the Pacific Islands region. In particular, Japan intends to support regional initiatives led by Pacific Island countries on climate change and other issues.
Tilapia aquaculture training (practical training on fry management) in a Pacific Island country for SDG 14 “Life below water” project (January, Fiji; Photo: JICA)
Mangrove water quality survey for the “Project for Enhancement of Integrated Management of Coastal Ecosystem for Strengthening their Resilience Climate Change” in Palau (April, Palau; Photo: JICA)
9 See the MOFA website for The Partners in the Blue Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Cooperation with Pacific Island Countries:
https://www.mofa.go.jp/a_o/ocn/shin4e_000049.html
D Latin America and the Caribbean
Latin America and the Caribbean is a region with which Japan has enjoyed friendly relations for a long time. The region also has deep historical ties with Japan, as demonstrated by the fact that around 3.1 million Japanese descendants, known as “Nikkei,” reside in the region. The region is a major supplier of resources and food, as well as a potential emerging market with gross regional production of around 6.25 trillion U.S. dollars. On the other hand, the region has large demand for development in regard to common issues faced by the international community, such as disaster risk reduction associated with climate change, vulnerabilities in health and medicine, and poverty. Japan is engaged in various cooperative efforts while also taking into account the development circumstances of each country.
In 2023, in the area of health and medical care, the Government of Japan decided to provide Bolivia with a yen loan of up to 15 billion Japanese yen to support the continuation and expansion of public services related to the health and medical care and institutional improvements to protect vulnerable groups. In the area of assistance for natural disasters, Japan provided emergency relief supplies to Chile for wildfire damage through JICA.
Disaster risk reduction work to prevent slope collapse and mudslides along the road under the “The Project for Road Disaster Prevention of National Road No. 7 ” grant aid for Bolivia (June, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia)
In the climate change/environment sector, the Government of Japan decided to provide grant assistance to Saint Christopher and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados in 2022 in cooperation with the UNDP for the removal of Sargassum seaweed, amounting to approximately 1.4 billion Japanese yen. Furthermore, Japan decided to provide the Dominican Republic with 200 million Japanese yen of equipment and materials from Japanese companies in 2023 to help the country deal with the problem. As part of its civilian assistance to Venezuelans, including displaced persons, the Government of Japan provided 350 million Japanese yen through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide humanitarian assistance, including protection activities and shelter construction, to the most vulnerable groups in the country, such as women and youth. Japan is also providing assistance to strengthen access to information as well as support local communities and humanitarian aid organizations. As part of the measures against irregular migration, JICA signed a partnership agreement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Guatemala in 2023 to address irregular migration based on Japan-U.S. collaboration.
Due to the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution authorizing the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti. In order to contribute to the stability in the country, Japan decided to contribute approximately 2 billion Japanese yen to support capacity building of the Haitian National Police, as well as approximately 3 million U.S. dollars for emergency grant aid to combat cholera and 200 million Japanese yen for food assistance (grant aid).
Japan also has entered into partnership programs with Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile to promote human resources development in Latin America and the Caribbean through triangular cooperation10 in areas such as SME support, disaster risk reduction, and policing systems.
10 Triangular Cooperation: Support by developed countries for developing countries to cooperate with other developing countries by utilizing human resources, technology, funds, knowledge, etc.
E Central Asia and the Caucasus
The Central Asia and Caucasus region is surrounded by Russia, Asia, and Europe. Given its geopolitical importance and transportation routes connecting East Asia and Europe, the development and stability and of this region are also important for the development, stability, and connectivity of the whole Eurasia, including Japan. As a partner that supports nations of Central Asia and the Caucasus region to maintain and strengthen free and open international order based on the rule of law, Japan announced its commitment to support on the basis of a new development model with an emphasis on “investment in people” and “quality of growth” for sustainable development in Central Asia at the 9th Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue held in December 2022.
In the area of “investment in people,” the Government of Japan develops human resources by accepting young administrative officials who are expected to become leaders in the future as study abroad students at Japanese graduate schools and play active roles in policy planning and implementation after returning to their home countries through the grant aid Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS). As assistance focusing on “quality of growth,” the repairs and lane widening of major roads by grant aid has improved safety and facilitated logistics in Tajikistan.
In addition, Japan is providing support for enhancing border control capabilities in the Central Asian region, bordering on Afghanistan.
Opening ceremony of the grant aid project “The Project for the Rehabilitation of Kizilkala-Bokhtar Section of Dushanbe-Bokhtar Road” in Tajikistan attended by JICA President Tanaka and Minister of Transport and Communications of Tajikistan Ibrahim (September 1, Khatlon Region, Tajikistan; Photo: JICA)
F The Middle East and North Africa
Securing peace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa regions, which are geopolitical keys in that they are the crossroads of Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, is crucial not only for the energy security of Japan but also for the stability of the world. From this point of view, Japan is providing support to achieve peace and stability in the region.
With regard to Syria, where civil war has been prolonged, Japan has provided more than 3.5 billion U.S. dollars to Syria and surrounding countries since 2012 under its policy of providing humanitarian assistance to all Syrians facing difficulties. Furthermore, in order to foster human resources who could contribute to Syria's future reconstruction, 136 Syrian students have been accepted in Japan since 2017.
In Yemen, where a severe humanitarian crisis is still ongoing, Japan has provided more than 400 million U.S. dollars in support since 2015. At the High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen held in February, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hayashi stated that Japan will continue to offer support toward peace and stability in Yemen. Additionally, in 2023, through partnerships with international organizations, in addition to humanitarian assistance in particularly high demand areas of food, education, and refugee assistance, Japan provided cooperation in repairing roads connecting the Port of Aden and in human resource development through JICA training from a medium- to long-term perspective.
Foreign Minister Hayashi participates in a high-level pledging meeting on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen (online) (February 27, Tokyo)
Afghanistan is facing a serious humanitarian crisis since the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021. Given this situation, Japan has been providing humanitarian support in areas such as health care, education, and food, including support for basic humanitarian needs, through collaboration with international organizations. In response to the earthquake damage suffered in western Afghanistan in October 2023, in addition to the provision of emergency relief supplies such as blankets through JICA, the Government of Japan provided 3 million U.S. dollars in emergency grant assistance in the areas of food and health through international organizations, while providing approximately 1.46 million U.S. dollars in assistance by Japanese NGOs to disaster victims through the Japan Platform (JPF).11
Human development is vital to realize stability in the Middle East in the mid- to long-term. As one example, Japan is also providing support in terms of future human resources development through provision of Japanese-style education via the Egypt Japanese School (EJS) and Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST).
In April, Prime Minister Kishida visited Egypt and held a summit meeting with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, where they held a signing ceremony for exchanges of notes on the provision of a 100 billion Japanese yen loan for the first phase of the Cairo Metro Line No.4 Phase 1 Project (III). They also confirmed the steady progress of Japan's assistance through ODA, including cooperation on strengthening food security and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) (See the Column on page 177).
Immediately after the earthquake that struck southeastern Türkiye in February, Japan provided emergency relief supplies to Türkiye and Syria through JICA and dispatched Japan Disaster Relief teams, including rescue, medical and expert teams, to Türkiye for emergency relief activities (See the Column on page 280). In addition, for the first time, Japan transported equipment and materials for the medical team by SDF aircraft and disaster relief supplies from Pakistan to Türkiye as part of an operation coordinated and cooperated with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In addition, emergency humanitarian assistance was provided through international organizations and Japanese NGOs via JPF. Furthermore, during the Japan-Türkiye Summit telephone call in July, Prime Minister Kishida announced new support measures for recovery and reconstruction, including grant aid totaling 5 billion Japanese yen to help with debris removal and the provision of medical equipment and heavy machinery, as well as an 80 billion Japanese yen loan to support recovery and reconstruction in the affected areas. In conjunction with this financial assistance, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his intention to provide technical cooperation that makes use of Japan's expertise, including assistance in the formulation of reconstruction plans, technical assistance for earthquake-resistant reinforcement of public buildings, and assistance in strengthening disaster waste management capacity, including debris disposal.
11 JPF : Japan Platform, or JPF, is an NGO established in August 2000 (NGO status obtained in May 2001). It was established jointly among NGOs, business and the Government of Japan with the purpose of providing prompt and effective emergency humanitarian assistance activities by a Japanese NGO in response to natural disasters and refugee situations outside of Japan.
A major earthquake with its epicenter in southeastern Türkiye occurred on February 6, 2023. On the day of the earthquake, at the request of the Government of Türkiye, Japan dispatched Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) teams consisting of 74 personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), National Police Agency, Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Japan Coast Guard, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and private sector personnel (including structural assessment specialists and medical personnel) to conduct search and rescue activities.
Starting February 10, JDR medical teams totaling 181 personnel were dispatched in three squads, which consisted of 75 members in the first squad, 65 in the second squad, and 41 in the third squad. The squads were comprised of MOFA officials, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, engineers, logistics support personnel (support staff to facilitate the teams such as providing accommodation and transportation arrangements), JICA task coordinators, and other personnel. The medical team provided medical care for over 24 days between February 16 and March 11 at a field hospital set up in Ozeri District, Gaziantep Province, located in southeastern Türkiye, which had a high medical need. Afterwards, a team of experts consisting of specialists in construction, seismic isolation, and earthquake resistant technology (representing the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, private consultants, JICA, etc.) was also dispatched.
When one thinks of medical assistance in the aftermath of a disaster, the first thing that may come to mind is the treatment of people rescued from collapsed buildings. However, we must also consider the fact that since local hospitals have been affected by the disaster and rendered dysfunctional, they are no longer able to provide the same medical services as before to the public.
In light of this situation, Japan dispatched a “Type 2” Emergency Medical Team authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the first time ever. This team carried out surgical and inpatient care functions, providing a total of approximately 2,000 treatments (including 17 inpatient care, 49 surgeries, 361 X-rays, etc.) on a 24-hour basis.
The high level of professionalism, morale, and thoughtful treatment of the medical team members has garnered gratitude from both patients and the local community. Although the team had to work under severe weather conditions with temperatures below freezing at the beginning of the dispatch, the entire medical team was encouraged by the words and appreciation of the Turkish people, some of whom said, “We feel safe when we receive medical treatment from Japanese doctors,” and “We trust Japan.”
Türkiye is known as a friendly country to Japan. Both countries have strengthened their friendly relationship over the years, which owes to a long history of reaching out to each other in the aftermath of earthquakes such as the recent one. Türkiye, like Japan, is an earthquake-prone country. When a major earthquake hit northwestern Türkiye in 1999, Japan provided assistance to victims of the disaster by dispatching international emergency aid teams and constructing temporary housing sites known as the “Japan Village.” Again, after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the Government of Türkiye dispatched a rescue team of 32 people to Miyagi Prefecture, where they worked for about three weeks and provided various additional assistance. The three-week deployment of the rescue team was the longest of any aid and rescue team dispatched from any country or region. In addition to the earthquake disaster, Türkiye also dispatched Turkish aircraft to help Japanese nationals in Tehran leave the country during the Iran-Iraq war.
The medical team treating the injured (Photo: JICA)
Medical team examination (Photo: JICA)
Field hospital constructed by the team
 (Photo: JICA)
The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Türkiye. The relationship between the two countries has developed in a manner that truly embodies the proverb, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Japan hopes that its relationship with Türkiye will be further enhanced over the next 100 years given this foundation of friendship.
G Africa
Africa has a population of approximately 1.4 billion people in 54 countries, and continues to attract attention and anticipation from the international community for its high potential in becoming the driving force for the world's growth, backed by its abundant natural resources. On the other hand, it also faces various challenges such as poverty, a vulnerable healthcare system, and the rise of terrorism and violent extremism. Given this background, Japan has been contributing for the development in Africa over the years through assistance provided via bilateral and international organizations and frameworks such as the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
In April, armed clashes in Sudan caused a humanitarian crisis domestically and in neighboring countries. Security has deteriorated in many areas of the country and more than 6 million people have been displaced, both domestically and abroad. In response, Japan provided emergency grant aid through international organizations and assistance to displaced persons through NGOs via JPF to provide humanitarian assistance in Sudan.
In May, Prime Minister Kishida also announced during his visit to Ghana that Japan would provide assistance with the aim of contributing to peace and stability and promoting sustainable growth in the Sahel region and Gulf of Guinea coastal countries.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of TICAD, which was launched in 1993, a TICAD 30th Anniversary Event, “TICAD's 30-Year History and Prospects,” was held in Tokyo in August, and a TICAD 30th Anniversary Event was also held at UN Headquarters in New York in December, where frank discussions were held on the past achievements and future direction of TICAD. Japan has long embodied its commitment to promoting Africa's growth while maintaining close ties with African nations, and as “a partner growing together with Africa,” Japan will promote African development with approaches quintessentially Japanese, focusing on “people” to realize the resilient Africa that Africa itself aims to achieve.
(5) Approaches to Appropriate and Effective Implementation of ODA
A Approaches to Appropriate Implementation of ODA
In the implementation of ODA, efforts are made to enhance transparency and quality by listening to the views of external experts at each phase and formulating projects based on these opinions. In the phase of preliminary studies prior to the implementation of ODA, MOFA holds the Development Project Accountability Committee meeting in public, exchanges views with independent committee members that have knowledge of the relevant fields and affirms the validity of the project. Furthermore, JICA publishes ex-post evaluation results for all projects valued at 200 million Japanese yen or more (5,219 projects published as of the end of September 30, 2023) on the “ODA Mieru-ka Site” after the implementation of the projects in view of enhancing the transparency of the projects. Ex-post evaluations for projects valued at 1 billion Japanese yen or more are conducted by third parties. MOFA conducts third party evaluations at the policy level (such as country assistance evaluations, thematic evaluations, and aid modality evaluations) and ex-post evaluations on grant aid projects implemented by MOFA to improve ODA management and ensure accountability. Efforts are made to utilize the suggestions and lessons drawn from the evaluation for the policy formation and project implementation of future ODA. MOFA also publishes the evaluation results on its website.
B Approaches to Effective Implementation of ODA
In order to utilize the limited budget efficiently and achieve a high level of development effectiveness, MOFA formulates a development cooperation policy for each country based on the priority policies of the development cooperation charter, comprehensively taking into account the development plans and development challenges of respective partner countries.
Moreover, the Rolling Plan is formulated as an appendix to the Country Development Cooperation Policy, with a summary for quick reference on how each individual ODA project is associated with a specific priority area. Through these efforts, the policy of development cooperation in each country is clearly identified, enabling more strategic projects to be formed across the confines of each framework.
C Efforts with regard to International Discussions on ODA
Japan also contributes actively to international discussions on ODA. At the OECD/DAC, discussions are being held on promotion of mobilization of private-sector funds with ODA as a catalyst, and assistance for climate change related issues. In addition, OECD/DAC is working to provide opportunities for mutual learning so that development assistance provided by emerging donors will be accountable and transparent in a manner consistent with international standards and practices.
D Efforts toward Promoting Understanding of ODA
It is vital to have the understanding and support of the people when implementing development cooperation. To that end, efforts are made to promote understanding among the citizens through the effective dissemination of information. MOFA strives to promote publicity on Japan's development cooperation activities among a wider range of targets in an easy-to-understand manner through social media, such as the MOFA website, ODA X account (former Twitter), as well as through YouTube videos, e-mail subscriptions, and other tools. MOFA has created new documentary videos and television drama on development cooperation, etc. Furthermore, Global Festa Japan was held both online and in-person as a hybrid event, which attracted more than 39,000 participants in-person and online in two days between September 30 and October 1. MOFA has continued to dispatch ministry officials to educational organizations in actively conducting “ODA Delivery Lectures” as part of its efforts to promote understanding of development cooperation. In addition, MOFA makes active efforts in overseas publicity, including site-visit tours to its development cooperation project for the local media so that they will also cover Japan's cooperation, and issues PR pamphlets and materials in English and local languages.
First Step 2: Sekai wo Tsunagu Yuki no Kotoba, Television drama now available (as of February 2024)
Japanese Women Delivering Hope in a World of Uncertainty, Documentary video now available (as of February 2024)