Chapter 3
Japan's Foreign Policy to Promote National and Global Interests
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 worsening situation in the Middle East, and global issues, 2024 was a year in which the importance of Japan's development cooperation was reaffirmed as a way to address these issues. In Japan, various events were carried out to mark the 70th anniversary of Japan's launch of Official Development Assistance (ODA).(1)
(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
1 Development Cooperation
(1) Development Cooperation Charter and Japan's ODA Allocation
A Revision of the Development Cooperation Charter
In June 2023, the Cabinet decided on the revision of Development Cooperation Charter,(2) showing a new direction for the country's development cooperation, in order to strengthen Japan's involvement in developing countries and more effectively and strategically utilize development cooperation as one of the most important tools for diplomacy. The revised Charter sets forth “co-creation” as one of its basic policies, which means involving various actors, including developing countries, to bring together the strengths of each for the creation of new solutions together. As one of its measures, the revised Charter also proposed Co-creation for common agenda initiative (which proposes attractive cooperation menus that leverage Japan's strengths and combine ODA, other official flows (OOF), and private sector funds in the areas that should be strategically addressed from a foreign policy perspective).
Specifically, at the Japan-Fiji Summit Meeting in July 2024, the two countries concurred on implementing Co-creation for common agenda initiative in the areas of disaster prevention and climate change measures in Fiji, and at the Japan-Laos Summit Meeting in October, both countries shared the intention to consider utilizing Co-creation for common agenda initiative to strengthen electricity connectivity in Laos and its neighboring countries as well as promote decarbonization through clean energy.
In addition, in the current situation where the flow of private funding to developing regions far exceeds public funding, including ODA, there is an increasing need to maximize development impact through the mobilization of new resources. In response, in March 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) established the Advisory Panel on New Financing for Development to explore new measures for the mobilization of these resources. The Panel met a total of three times, and in July 2024, it presented a report to Foreign Minister Kamikawa entitled “Contributing to a Sustainable Future and Creating a Virtuous Cycle of Growth.”
(2) For Japan's Development Cooperation Charter, see the MOFA website:
https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/oda/page24e_000410.html
B Japan's ODA Allocation
Japan's total ODA in 2023 was approximately 19.6 billion U.S. dollars (+12.0% year on year),(3) based on the Grant Equivalent System (GE system).(4) Japan ranks third among the member of the OECD/DAC,(5) following the United States (U.S.) and Germany. Japan's ODA as a percentage of GNI(6) based on the GE system was 0.44%, placing Japan in 12th place among members of the OECD/DAC (Source: OECD Database (OECD. Data Explorer) (December 2024)).
(3) 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.
(4) Grant Equivalent System (GE system) was introduced by the OECD/DAC in 2018 as the standard method for calculating ODA loans. Accordingly, government loans entering the calculation of the ODA grant equivalent measure are referred to as ODA flows. The GE system records the amount of government loans by reflecting the financial 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, while, the amount repaid is counted as negative) that was previously the standard method used by the OECD/DAC, the GE system measures Japan's actual government loans more accurately.
(https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/oda/white/2019/html/topics/01.html)
(5) OECD/DAC: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development /Development Assistance Committee
(6) GNI: Gross National Income
(2) Development Cooperation in 2024
In 2024, Japan engaged mainly in the following (A to D below).
A Support for Ukraine, Assistance to the Palestinians, 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 more than 12.0 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, Foreign Minister Kamikawa, during her visit to Ukraine in January 2024, attended a ceremony for the transportation support of seven large transformers through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the provision of five gas turbine generators, including those manufactured by Japanese companies, through the UNDP and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Furthermore, when Foreign Minister Iwaya visited the country in November, he attended a ceremony for the delivery of one gas turbine, 15 variable frequency drives for water pumping facilities, and two gas pistons through the UNDP, as well as 32 small-scale power generators through JICA. As part of assistance in mine action, training programs were held in August for staff members of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) in Cambodia, where Japan has cooperated with demining for more than two decades. These programs covered the operation and maintenance of demining machines Japan provided to Ukraine.
Additionally, in response to the situation in Gaza triggered by the terrorist attacks against Israel by Hamas and others in October 2023, Japan provided assistance to Palestine totaling approximately 130 million U.S. dollars between October 2023 and November 2024, and decided to provide additional assistance totaling approximately 100 million U.S. dollars at the end of December 2024. In particular, in response to the Gaza crisis, Japan provided humanitarian assistance in the form of the provision of food, blankets, and medicines.
Regarding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which plays an indispensable role in supporting Palestine refugees, Japan suspended its funding (approximately 35 million U.S. dollars) following allegations in January that its staff members were involved in the terror attack. In April 2024, however, Japan lifted the suspension of its funding. In disbursing the contribution, Japan reaffirmed with UNRWA, in order to ensure the appropriateness of the projects funded by Japan, establishing a “Japan-UNRWA Project Management and Monitoring Mechanism,” promotion of the participation of women in leadership positions in UNRWA governance reform and other initiatives, and Japan taking all necessary measures in the event of misuse of funds by Japan.
Countries in the Global South, including Africa, face severe food insecurity and shortages due to rising inflation and supply chain disruptions, partly influenced by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, along with worsening humanitarian crises. In response, Japan has provided food assistance and support for strengthening production capacity through bilateral channels, international organizations and Japanese non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in order to address global food security.
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.
In addition, with regard to the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), an initiative to promote quality infrastructure investment launched at the G7 Elmau Summit in 2022, side events were held at the G7 Hiroshima Summit in 2023 and the G7 Apulia Summit in June 2024, which involved not only the G7 but also private sector participation. The G7 countries introduced efforts to strengthen connectivity in Africa and expressed their hope that infrastructure investment, including private finance, will be promoted under PGII. Prime Minister Kishida introduced Japan's efforts to enhance connectivity in Africa and Asia and stated that the results of PGII will be incorporated into the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), scheduled to be held in the summer of 2025.
C Addressing Global Issues
Japan is working to resolve global issues, including the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts are taking place in line with the country's Development Cooperation Charter, which positions the concept of “human security in the new era”(7) as its guiding principle and under the revised SDGs Implementation Guiding Principles of December 2023.(8) 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. Furthermore, as humanitarian crises become more protracted and diversified, Japan will promote humanitarian assistance, including support for refugees and displaced persons, poverty reduction, economic and social development, and peacebuilding and nation-building, based on the concept of the “Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDP Nexus)” which aims to provide not only humanitarian and development assistance but also support for sustaining peace, through addressing the root causes of conflict.
(7) Human security: An approach that focuses on freedom from fear and deprivation through the protection and empowerment of individuals, as well as the right of each person to live with happiness and dignity.
(8) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Implementation Guiding Principles (December 19, 2023; SDGs Promotion Headquarters)
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/oda/sdgs/pdf/kaitei_2023_en.pdf
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 fundings from the private sector, as laid out in the revised 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. In addition, to encourage the overseas expansion of Japanese companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. Japan will support the identification of needs and the formulation of business models in developing countries through JICA's private sector partnership projects, thereby promoting the resolution of challenges in developing countries through the overseas expansion of Japanese companies.
(3) Initiatives in Major Regions
A East and Southeast Asia
The peace, stability, and prosperity of the East and Southeast Asia regions are directly linked to Japan's national security and economic development and are therefore vital to Japan. 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. The “Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative,” announced in September 2023 seeks to further promote efforts to strengthen connectivity on both the structural and non-structural fronts. For example, the Initiative promotes support for strengthening connectivity through physical infrastructure projects such as the development of passenger railways in Metropolitan Manila Area (the Philippines) and the improvement of Vientiane International Airport (Laos), as well as non-structural support through the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC).
Construction site of the Metro Manila Subway Project, a loan aid project in the Philippines (May, Manila, Philippines)
Furthermore, a wide range of concrete cooperation is being promoted in light of the “Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation” and its implementation plan adopted at the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in December 2023. For example, as a new public-private partnership initiative to solve issues through co-creation, cooperation in the digital field is being accelerated in collaboration with various actors, including private companies, with regard to “Co-creation for common agenda initiative,” which was agreed upon with Cambodia in December 2023. This includes the establishment of a public-private roundtable meeting in March 2024.
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 2024, training was provided on topics such as measures against marine plastic waste, public international law, food value chain development, customs administration, and infectious disease control. 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.
Measurement of plastic waste using drones in the technical cooperation project for Thailand called Formation of a Center of Excellence for Marine Plastic Pollution Studies in the Southeast Asian Seas (December, Chonburi, Thailand; Photo: JICA)
With regard 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.
B Southwest Asia
Southwest Asia is a strategically important region situated as a marine transportation hub that connects East Asia with the Middle East. It also offers immense economic potential, with high economic growth and large-scale infrastructure demand expected. As a result, the region is attracting attention from Japanese companies as an important market, production base, and investment destination. On the other hand, parts of the region face many challenges such as serious poverty, undeveloped basic social infrastructure, such as education and healthcare, measures against frequently occurring natural disasters, and delays in the development of industrial infrastructure. Japan provides assistance for resolving these challenges through ODA, which includes human security, achievement of the SDGs, and fostering the investment environment for Japanese companies.
Development cooperation with India, which has achieved remarkable economic growth in recent years, represents an important component of the “Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership.” Japan is promoting development cooperation that benefits both Japan and India by bringing together the strengths of both countries to solve social issues through the co-creation of new value. From the perspective of addressing global issues as well, Japan supports the realization of inclusive and sustainable economic growth in India, considering that the country has a large population and still faces a great need for economic and social development.
In addition to supporting entrepreneurs along with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with the aim of strengthening industrial development through co-creation, Japan provided support for the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to strengthen multi-layered connectivity, the construction of medical university hospitals that will contribute to clean economic and social development, the development of urban water supply systems, and forest and biodiversity conservation in 2024.
The relationship between Japan and Bangladesh was elevated to a “Strategic Partnership” in 2023, and Japan continues to provide support for improving connectivity within and around the country, infrastructure development, and the investment environment, aiming for Bangladesh to move on from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in 2026, under both initiatives of the “Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B)” and the “Industrial Value Chain” concept that connects the Bay of Bengal to the North Eastern Region of India based on the new FOIP plan. Japan has also maintained its long-standing support in the areas of education and health, and is also assisting in resolving issues that require immediate action, such as rapid urbanization and climate change. Moreover, Japan continues to provide humanitarian assistance in cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh and international organizations to the large number of displaced persons who have come to Bangladesh from Myanmar since 2017 and who remain in the country.
In Sri Lanka, the humanitarian situation has worsened due to an economic crisis, including a shortage of imported materials due to an acute shortage of foreign currency, since the temporary suspension of all payments on the country's foreign debt payments in April 2022. As co-chair of the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), Japan has led Sri Lanka's debt restructuring process, and in July 2024, the members of the OCC and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding on debt restructuring. Additionally, as the intention of the Government of Sri Lanka to quickly conclude a bilateral agreement between Japan and Sri Lanka was confirmed in writing, Japan decided to resume the disbursement of yen loans, etc. Japan continues to provide support to Sri Lanka for environmental measures, such as a grant aid of 300 million Japanese yen for the provision of waste treatment equipment, and for the development of infrastructure for economic growth, and others.
In Pakistan, Japan approved cooperation in areas such as the recovery of Maternal and Child health care equipment for the affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (1.503 billion Japanese yen) and strengthening flood protection and dike improvement in the Indus River (2.831 billion Japanese yen), with a focus on continuing to support recovery and reconstruction efforts following the major floods in 2022.
In Nepal, cooperation focused on natural disaster measures and the development of transportation infrastructure, etc. In particular, Japan provided a yen loan of 16.636 billion Japanese yen, contributing to the opening of the Nagdhunga Tunnel, the country's first mountain road tunnel.
Opening ceremony for the main shaft of the Nagdunga Tunnel (April 15, Kathmandu outskirts, Nepal; Photo: JICA)
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), 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.
The 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) held in July was attended by leaders and representatives of 19 countries and regions, as well as the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). At the meeting, participants adopted the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) Japan-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Declaration and the PALM10 Joint Action Plan. In its 2050 Strategy, the PIF has set out seven priority areas: (a) political leadership and regionalism, (b) people-centered development, (c) peace and security, (d) resources and economic development, (e) climate change and disasters, (f) ocean and environment, and (g) technology and connectivity. The Joint Action Plan also positions these seven areas as key areas for cooperation. Furthermore, at PALM10, in response to climate change, which is the “single greatest existential threat” to the Pacific Island countries, Prime Minister Kishida announced the “Pacific Climate Resilience Initiative,” an initiative that mobilizes all of the country's technologies, know-how, and funds by a concerted national effort and is comprised of three pillars: (a) strengthening disaster risk reduction and response capacity, (b) promoting decarbonization, and (c) supporting Pacific-led efforts. For example, in the area of infrastructure development, Japan announced support for the replacement of the Minato Bridge in Palau and the construction of an international airport passenger terminal in the Marshall Islands; while in the maritime area, Japan announced support for patrol boats for Nauru and the provision of a fishery research vessel to the Federated States of Micronesia, and the development of a fisheries industry research center at the national university in the Solomon Islands; and in the area of climate change, Japan announced support for a stand-by disaster recovery loan to Fiji.
The Project for Development Support of Electronic Navigational Charts for Honiara and Noro Ports in Solomon Islands aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of maritime transport (October, Solomon Islands; Photo: JICA)
A route bus currently in trial operation as part of the Project for Establishing an Eco-Friendly Transportation System, a technical cooperation project with Palau (September, Babeldaob Island, Palau; Photo: JICA)
The Government of Japan has also decided to implement the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), a grant aid program to train young government officials through studying at Japanese higher education institutions, in some Pacific Island countries. Furthermore, in collaboration with the U.S. and other countries, Japan is strengthening cooperation in new fields that contribute to economic security, such as cooperation related to submarine cables.
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 the area of health and medical care, Japan decided to provide Paraguay with grant aid worth approximately 500 million Japanese yen for medical equipment at public medical institutions, including the Maternal and Child Health Center at the Asuncion University Hospital, which had been constructed with ODA in the past, and to improve access to health care for low-income groups, particularly mothers and children. In addition, as emergency humanitarian assistance in the event of a natural disaster, Japan provided emergency relief goods through JICA to Brazil, which was hit by torrential rains.
In the climate change/environment sector, the Government of Japan has decided to provide the Dominican Republic with a yen loan of up to 6.66 billion Japanese yen for the Integrated Solid Waste Management Improvement Project, which seeks to improve waste management through on-site improvements and technical assistance at the Duquesa disposal site, the only final waste disposal site in the northwestern part of the capital, Santo Domingo. The Government of Japan has also provided approximately 1.33 billion Japanese yen through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support the strengthening of protection for refugees and migrants and their resettlement in Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, which are accepting large numbers of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, as well as to support their humanitarian assistance and socio-economic inclusion.
Field examination of landmine removal methods in Colombia (August, Bolivar Department, Colombia; Photo: JICA)
In addition, in response to the frequent occurrence of violence and human rights violations by gangs in Haiti, which has led to a rapid deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation, Japan is providing suppor focused on both security and humanitarian assistance to contribute to the stabilization of the situation in Haiti. In October, Japan decided to provide grant aid of approximately 400 million Japanese yen through UN Women to protect and support women who have become victims of gender-based violence, to take preventive measures, and to promote the empowerment of women.
Japan also has entered into partnership programs with Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile to promote human resources development in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and other regions, through triangular cooperation(9) in areas such as disaster risk reduction, and policing systems.
(9) Triangular Cooperation refers to a form of development cooperation in which a developed country, a donor country or an international organization supports collaboration between developing countries by providing resources such as human resources, technology, funding, and knowledge.
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 of this region are also important for the development, stability, and connectivity of the whole Eurasia, including Japan. Cooperation with this region, which continues to see high growth and a rising population, is becoming increasingly important from the perspective of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law amid a rapidly changing international environment.
In terms of strengthening connectivity, Japan is working to develop the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC). For example, in 2024, in cooperation with the World Customs Organization (WCO), which works on international cooperation in the area of customs, Japan began cooperation to improve the efficiency of customs clearance for customs officials in the region.
Additionally, through the grant aid project JDS, Japan is contributing to the development of government officials who are expected to demonstrate leadership in policymaking at the core of government in the future. In addition, in the area of economic and social infrastructure, Japan has decided to build a water distribution network to establish a safe and stable water supply service in Tajikistan, and to provide medical equipment to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. Furthermore, Japan is providing support for strengthening border management capabilities in the Central Asian region that borders Afghanistan.
The Project for the Reconstruction of Urmaral River Bridge on Talas-Taraz Road (June, Talas Region, Kyrgyz Republic; 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 Lebanon, in response to the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation due to the large-scale air strikes by Israel since mid-September 2024, which have resulted in more than one million internally displaced persons, Japan has decided to provide the country with an additional 10 million U.S. dollars in emergency grant.
With regard to Syria, under its assistance policy of providing humanitarian assistance to all Syrian people facing difficulties, Japan has provided assistance totaling approximately 3.5 billion U.S. dollars to Syria and neighboring countries since 2012. In order to provide educational opportunities to Syrian youth who have been deprived of the opportunity to attend school, Japan has accepted 144 Syrian students since 2017. Furthermore, in response to the influx of many refugees from Lebanon into Syria since mid-September 2024 due to the worsening situation in Lebanon, Japan has decided to provide an additional 10 million U.S. dollars in emergency grant.
In Yemen, where a severe humanitarian crisis is still ongoing, Japan has provided more than 400 million U.S. dollars in support since 2015. In 2024, Japan, in cooperation with international organizations, provided humanitarian assistance in particularly high demand areas of food, health care, and refugee assistance. Japan also provided cooperation such as renovating workshops at the Port of Aden, providing mooring vessels, and in human resources development through JICA training from a medium- to long-term perspective.
In Afghanistan, in light of the serious humanitarian crisis since the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021, Japan has been providing humanitarian support in areas such as health care, education, and food, including support for basic humanitarian needs, while collaborating with international organizations. In response to the flood damage in northern Afghanistan in May 2024, Japan provided emergency relief goods such as tents and blankets through JICA, and provided emergency grant of 3 million U.S. dollars in areas such as food and health through international organizations.
Human resource development is vital to realize stability in the Middle East in the mid- to long-term. As an example, in Egypt, under the initiative of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Japanese-style education has been introduced at the Egypt-Japan School (EJS) and the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), and efforts are also being made to cooperate in the areas of future education and human resource development, from preschool education to graduate school. Furthermore, when Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation of Egypt Rania A. Al-Mashat visited Japan in December, three Exchanges of Notes were signed with State Minister for Foreign Affairs FUJII Hisayuki regarding a yen loan of up to 35 billion Japanese yen to support private sector development and economic diversification, a grant aid of 500 million Japanese yen to provide equipment related to the digitalization of the agricultural machinery loan centers, and a grant aid of 180 million Japanese yen to provide equipment at the National Cultural Center. In light of international developments such as the worsening situation in Gaza, Egypt's importance in maintaining peace and stability in the entire Middle East region is increasing, and it is expected that comprehensive cooperation between the two countries will be further strengthened under the Japan-Egypt strategic partnership.
In regard to Türkiye, the Government of Japan decided to provide a total of 80 billion Japanese yen in yen loans, including 20 billion Japanese yen in December 2023 as emergency support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises affected by the earthquake that struck southeastern Türkiye in February 2023, and 60 billion Japanese yen in April 2024 to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructure in the affected areas.
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, Foreign Minister Kamikawa visited Madagascar and agreed to strengthen connectivity through the Toamasina Port Development Project and to work on the multifaceted development of Madagascar by utilizing Co-creation for common agenda initiative. Later, during a visit to Côte d'Ivoire, Foreign Minister Kamikawa confirmed the strengthening of cooperative relations with the country by attending the launch ceremony for a cooperation project with UN Women and visiting the Centre Hospitalier & Universitaire de Cocody, where Japan has provided support for construction and renovation. During the minister's next visit to Nigeria, she toured Ventures Park, startup accelerator hub, as well as held talks with internationally displaced women, and expressed her determination to continue supporting efforts to stabilize northeastern Nigeria, while also taking into account the perspective of Women, Peace and Security (WPS). In August, the TICAD Ministerial Meeting was held in Tokyo and attended by representatives of 47 African countries, as well as international organizations, private companies, members of Japan's Diet, and civil society groups. At the meeting, under the theme of “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa” and with a view toward TICAD 9 in 2025, discussions were held on the three pillars of society, peace and stability, and economy, with an awareness of the three perspectives of future-oriented problem-solving, youth and women, and connectivity and knowledge platform. 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.
(4) Approaches to Appropriate and Effective Implementation of ODA
A Approaches to Appropriate Implementation of ODA
In order to secure transparency and improve planning of ODA projects, MOFA listens to the views of external experts at each phase and formulates projects based on these opinions. In the planning phase of project candidates, 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 (5,405 projects published as of the end of December 2024) on the “ODA Mieru-ka Site” after the implementation 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 (internal evaluations for projects valued between 200 million and 1.0 billion Japanese yen and third-party evaluations for projects valued at over 1.0 billion Japanese yen) on projects implemented by MOFA to improve ODA management and ensure accountability. The suggestions and lessons drawn from the evaluation are utilized for the policy formation and project implementation of future ODA. MOFA also publishes the evaluation results on its website to ensure transparency.
Furthermore, from the perspective of ensuring the safety of personnel involved in development cooperation, MOFA and JICA are working to implement the safety measures formulated in the Final Report of the Council on Safety Measures for International Cooperation Projects (released in August 2016) and are continuing and strengthening efforts to ensure the effectiveness of safety measures for personnel involved in international cooperation projects.
B Approaches to Effective Implementation of ODA
In order to promote the formulation of ODA projects that can produce high project effects, MOFA formulates country-specific development cooperation policies that set out priority areas and policies for each ODA project target country, while comprehensively examining the key policies of Japan's Development Cooperation Charter and the priorities of issues and development plans of the developing countries themselves. Moreover, the Rolling Plan is formulated as an appendix to the Country Development Cooperation Policy that lists projects at various stages from implementation decision to completion, visualizing where individual projects are positioned within the policy and how they correlate with other projects. Through these efforts, the limited ODA budget is strategically allocated to projects that are important to both Japan and recipient countries, and multiple projects are implemented in an organically linked manner to increase effectiveness.
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 private finance mobilization with ODA as a catalyst, and assistance for climate change related issues, etc. 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 Initiatives to Foster Understanding and Support of ODA
It is vital to have the understanding and support of the people when implementing development cooperation. To that end, MOFA makes efforts 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 also created First Step 3, a television drama series set on the frontline of international cooperation, as a new venture. Furthermore, various commemorative events were held in 2024, marking the 70th anniversary of Japan's ODA. MOFA, in collaboration with relevant organizations such as JICA, held the Kick-off Event for the 70th anniversary of international cooperation in Kobe in March, the International Cooperation MIRAI Conference in May and the Symposium to Commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Japan's Official Development Assistance in December. Additionally, the 33rd Global Festa JAPAN 2024 (September) was held in a hybrid format that combined in-person events and online streaming, attracting 74,000 visitors and viewers over two days. MOFA has continued to dispatch ministry officials to educational organizations in actively conducting “ODA Delivery Lectures” for youth 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.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs MIYAJI Takuma reading the keynote speech on behalf of Foreign Minister Iwaya at the Symposium to Commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Japan's Official Development Assistance (December 17, Tokyo)
First Step 3: Sekai wo Tsunagu Heiwa e no Negai, Television drama now available (as of February 2025)
Main visual for the events to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Japan's Official Development Assistance
Logo of the events to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Japan's Official Development Assistance
With the year 2024 marking the 70th anniversary of Japan's launch of Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 1954, various commemorative events were held throughout the year to raise awareness of international cooperation. Following the Kick-off Event for the 70th anniversary of international cooperation in Kobe in March, the International Cooperation MIRAI Conference took place in May and the Global Festa Japan 2024 in September. In December, as the finale of the 70th anniversary commemorative events, the Symposium to Commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Japan's Official Development Assistance was held using a hybrid format, both in person and online. Each of the events was attended by many people.
Furthermore, in order to consider new ODA measures, the Advisory Panel on New Financing for Development was launched under Foreign Minister Kamikawa, holding discussions while obtaining the opinions of various relevant actors within Japan.
■Symposium to Commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Japan's Official Development Assistance
Panel discussion at the Symposium to Commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Japan's Official Development Assistance (December 17, United Nations University, Tokyo)
The symposium, with the theme “Co-Creation, Solidarity, and the Future: Toward a Free and Open International Order and a New Era of Development Cooperation,” opened with a speech by OBUCHI Yuko, a member of the House of Representatives and President of the JICA Parliamentary Union. This was then followed by keynote speeches from Foreign Minister Iwaya (read by State Minister for Foreign Affairs MIYAJI Takuma on his behalf) and Administrator for UNDP Achim Steiner. Thereafter, a panel discussion was held, attended by important figures and experts from Japan and abroad as well as international organizations. Attendees included Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation of Egypt Rania A. Al-Mashat, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment of Laos Phonevanh Outhavong, Secretary, Economic and Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Hussain Niyaaz, Ambassador of Senegal to Japan Jean Antoine Diouf, and Ambassador of Tunisia to Japan Ahmed Chafra. In the first part, participants discussed an evaluation of Japan's 70 years of international cooperation, challenges the countries and international organizations are facing in light of global issues and changing international circumstances, the future potential of Japan's international cooperation, and expectations and hopes for the global situation in the future. In the second part of the session, under the theme of “New Approaches to International Cooperation,” the participants discussed new forms of international cooperation, including the significance and potential of international cooperation in solving common social challenges in international society and in Japan. The symposium concluded with closing remarks by Administrator for UNDP Steiner. This symposium serves as the finale of the series of events to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) held throughout the year.
■Advisory Panel on New Financing for Development
The recommendations submitted by the Panel expressed the view that as Japan and developing countries work together to address diversifying social issues, it is becoming increasingly important to collaborate with various stakeholders, such as private companies, that have the ability to solve these problems. In order to increase collaboration, the recommendations found that it is important to create an ecosystem in which ODA serves as a catalyst, allowing private companies and investors to make investments based on economic rationality, ultimately leading to development in developing countries. As a measure to achieve this, it was stated that strengthening collaboration between ODA and “sustainable finance,”1 a financial mechanism for realizing a sustainable society, is important. In addition, the recommendations also emphasized the importance of sharing the experience of former JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers with the Japanese economy and society through post-return support, etc. Going forward, Japan will review its ODA mechanisms based on these recommendations and aim to realize a “new international cooperation” system that responds to recent changes in the environment.
1 For details, see the report of the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance established by the Financial Services Agency.
https://www.fsa.go.jp/en/refer/councils/sustainable_finance/index.html