using development aid to build regional net-

works, revitalize trade and investment, stabilize

financial systems, and support environmental

initiatives. In these ways, Japan is helping to

provide the region with public goods, such as

the establishment of an economic infrastructure

needed for stable and sustainable economic

growth, as well as environmental protection.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi reaffirmed the importance Japan places on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a visit to five member countries in January 2002, where he spoke extensively about the future of Japan-ASEAN cooperation. He outlined Japan’s basic stance of “acting together—advancing together” with ASEAN as “A Sincere and Open Partner” in response to changes in the international situation. The concepts proposed by the Prime Minister included cooperation toward increased “prosperity” along with support for reform as well as cooperation for the sake of “stability” through joint undertakings to tackle “transnational issues” and others. Looking to the future, Prime Minister Koizumi also proposed the initiative for “Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership” to strengthen broad-ranging economic partnership and called for the holding of “the Initiative for Development in East Asia” (IDEA) conference to discuss the future of regional development. Other ideas put forward by the Prime Minister concerned education and human resources development, including the promotion of personnel exchange among universities.

Japan’s development assistance, however, is certainly not limited to Asia. Africa in particular is affected by many complex problems, including poverty, infectious diseases, and conflicts. In January 2001 then Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori became the first Japanese prime minister to visit sub-Saharan Africa while in office. He spoke of a new relationship with Africa based on the view that “there will be no stability and prosperity in the world in the 21st century unless the problems of Africa are resolved.” Japan has hosted the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) twice as part of its efforts to focus the international community’s attention on Africa’s development. It has also emphasized the need for ownership by African nations and partnership with the international community. In December 2001 Japan hosted a TICAD ministerial meeting in preparation for TICAD III. At that meeting, Japan emphasized the importance of Africa’s development to an international community facing the threat of terrorism. It also formally announced that it would host TICAD III in the second half of 2003.

SECTION I. HUMAN RESOURCES

DEVELOPMENT, BUILDING NETWORKS

AND EMPOWERMENT: FOR THE SAKE OF

PROSPERITY

The empowerment of individuals in developing countries to realize their latent potential, participate fully in social and economic activities, and act against threats to their livelihoods is not only the objective of development but also one of the most effective means of assistance.

At the national level, the success or failure of medium- and long-term efforts by the developing countries themselves hinges on the ability to nurture and engage highly capable human resources to spearhead development. These countries' self-sustaining development requires the creation of institutions to enable them to adapt to globalization and the reinforcement of training and other people-based systems. There is much expectation of support for human resources development. In the summit declaration of the October 2001 Asia-Pacific Economic Co-