From January 2007, JOICFP is organizing six monthly study sessions on ODA under the support of APA/ICPD small grants to provide participants, such as opinion leaders, specialists, media and GO/NGO representatives, an opportunity to discuss the future of ODA in the wake of falling Japanese contributions.

On 24th January, the first session was held at JOICFP, with around 50 people attending. The main speaker was Koro Bessho, Director General, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Bessho outlined his talk on ODA under the theme of “Progress and Reform in International Cooperation” in four areas: the current situation, relation to foreign policy, public opinion, and strategies to implement ODA more effectively

Current situation

By 2000, Japan was the largest ODA donor. In 2001, Japan became number two. Japanese ODA has decreased 38% from 1997.

In 2000, Japan was the top donor to seven African countries; by 2004 it was top donor to none. Japanese contributions toward international organizations such as UNFPA, UNICEF, and UNDP were also decreasing.

Japan’s presence in international society is weakening as a result of declining ODA.

ODA - in relation to foreign policy-

From 1954 to 1990, Japan supported Asian countries supportive of the West in the Cold War

From 1990, many African states were abandoned at the end of the Cold War. However, Japan continued its ODA support, and started to organize TICAD from 1993 in order to attract attention for Africa from the international society. This era is one of the most visible periods of Japanese ODA history.

After 2001, ODA from Europe and the USA increased, specifically to tackle the root causes of terrorism by the influence of 9.11. Japanese ODA continued to decrease, but in order to involve countries supportive of the East as well as other developing countries into the international society, it was needed to develop a common target. As a result, MDGs and Human Security, which focus on the individual, have become common goals.

Public opinion

In Japan, 45% of people think the level of ODA should remain the same; 22% believe it should be reduced; and 23% want an increase. Bessho stated the importance of international cooperation needs to be stressed more, not only the importance of the amount of ODA.

From the perspective of people who care whether a donor gains national interest through ODA, there are 3 points that are often questioned;

1) Whether Japanese ODA is appreciated or not

2) Whether Japanese ODA assists foreign policy or not

3) Whether Japanese ODA supports economic interests or not

Regarding the second point, recent discussions have been held on Japan becoming a member of the UN Security Council. It was suggested from the audience that if Japan doubled its ODA that would occur, however Bessho assessed the situation as not being that simple.

He said that in order to be the member of the Security Council, a country has to gain trust from other member countries, so the important factor is not only the amount of Japanese ODA.

Strategies for more effective ODA

For more effective delivery of ODA, Bessho suggested:

An “All Japan” approach that better integrates MOFA, JICA, and JBIC, along with other organizations, including NGOs.

Utilizing Japan’s good experience, such as in community-based activities for health, sanitation and security.

Not only increasing the amount of ODA, but also improving the quality and originality of ODA has become another focus in ODA discussions.

The next ODA Study Session will be held in February 26th with Nobuhito Hobo from JICA explaining how JICA is changing, which will provide another perspective on how “All Japan” will be implemented through coordination of various ODA agencies.