presence; (4) they are able to conduct activities in regions the government cannot reach. In recent years, NGOs have carried out various activities not only in the fields of development assistance and emergency humanitarian relief, but also in the fields of environment, human rights, trade, disarmament and non-proliferation.

As a result, they have come to fill a larger role in the international community. The necessity of promoting cooperation with NGOs has been detailed in the ODA Charter as well as in medium-term policies, and Japan is engaged in a variety of activities for reinforcing the abilities of its NGOs.

Since 2007, in order to apply the expertise of private organizations such as NGOs at the project formulation stage, JICA has carried out Project Formulation Study (Proposal Type), $ ^{10} $ with proposals being widely accepted regarding the details of investigation. Further, in 2007, Technical Cooperation Projects Based on Operation Implementation Contracts were used to proactively utilize private sector vitality, entrusting 188 projects to NGOs. In these Technical Cooperation Projects Based on Operation Implementation Contracts, cases are now seen where they are implemented with NGOs and universities serving as contractors, and so there is a positive move towards the use of know-how from various organizations.

### i. Financial Cooperation for NGO Activities

Japan is engaged in various forms of cooperation for enabling NGOs to carry out aid activities smoothly. One of the sources of funds for Japanese NGOs to implement economic and social improvement in developing countries originates from the Japanese government via the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects. In 2007, for 64 projects by 43 organizations in 26 countries and regions, and for 60 projects by 18 organizations in 12 countries through the Japan Platform (JPF), a total of approximately ¥2.6 billion in funding was provided. Moreover, JICA has directly contributed to the improvement of the lives of local inhabitants of developing countries for projects proposed by NGOs and local governments. It is also engaged in the JICA Partnership Program to contract projects relating to issues that arise in accordance with the Country Assistance Plans set up by the government. In particular, in the form of grassroots partnership within these cooperation systems, support is being given for developing countries applying the experience and skills accumulated by organizations such as NGOs that have a certain track record in international cooperation.

### ii. Enhancing the Environment for NGO Activities

In recent years, Japanese NGOs have conducted remarkable international cooperation activities, and as such they have received high praise and a wealth of expectations relating to the role of NGOs. Thus, it is important to strengthen their specialties and project implementation systems. In this regard, organizations such as MOFA, JICA, and the Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development (FASID) have enhanced various programs and training systems through government financing in order to cooperate in the capacity building and human resource development of NGOs.

As well, MOFA establishes the NGO Advisor Program. Under this program, MOFA, contracted with Japanese NGOs, dispatches personnel with a track record and experience in the area of international cooperation at these NGOs for consultancy work as well as participation in various events and seminars on international cooperation. They respond to consultations and inquiries from citizens with ties with NGOs and NGO personnel on issues pertaining to the establishment, organization management, and operation of NGOs.

Furthermore, the NGO Researcher Program has been set up to increase NGO abilities through the dispatch for a fixed term of personnel with high-level knowledge, techniques, and expertise to improve skills in special areas and work, and strengthen organization functions. MOFA also holds the NGO Study Groups which works to strengthen NGO organization and improve abilities. In this group study groups and symposiums related to the shared issues faced by NGOs are held. In 2007, it was engaged in three areas: “Research on NGO networks,” “cooperation between NGOs and international organizations in the field of health,” and “protection in the assistance for Human Security.”

As well, JICA has traditionally operated NGO human resources development to help train NGO staff. The training aims at acquiring project management skills at local sites in developing countries as well as domestic organizational management skills for publicity and fundraising.

### iii. Dialogue and Cooperation with NGOs

Japan works to reinforce its cooperation with NGOs. Since 1996, it has held the NGO-MOFA Regular Meetings and engaged in active debate regarding areas such as Japan’s assistance policies and the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects. Meanwhile, from 2002, as a forum for