Silviase/jgov_v1.4_full_ann huggingface dataset:
# Measures for Each Priority Issue

Poverty Reduction, Sustainable Growth, Approaches to Global Issues, and Peace-Building are addressed as the four priority issues in the ODA Charter. This section introduces Japan’s recent efforts in relation to these issues.

### 1. Poverty Reduction

## (1) Education

Education plays an important role in the socio-economic development that is needed for poverty reduction. It also enables individuals to develop their own talents and capabilities, as well as to live with dignity. Education fosters understanding towards other people and different cultures, and forms the foundation for peace. However, across the world approximately 67 million children are

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Emphasizing “nation-building” and “human resource development,” Japan has continued to provide developing countries with a broad range of support for education, including the enhancement of basic education, higher education, and vocational training. In 2002, Japan announced the “Basic Education for Growth Initiative (BEGIN)”. In accordance with BEGIN, Japan provides assistance that combines the equipment and facilities aspect, such as constructing schools, with the knowledge and expertise aspect, such as

training of teachers, with priority emphasis on (i) ensuring access to education, (ii) improving quality of education, and (iii) improving of formulation of education policies and educational administration system.

still out of school. Approximately 800 million adults do not have minimum literacy (the ability to read and write short, simple sentences), two-thirds of which are women. $ ^{5} $ To improve this situation the international community is striving to achieve “Education for All (EFA)” (see “Terminology” on page 34).

(see the figure on page 10 for details regarding MDGs). The new policy promises that over next five years from 2011 Japan will provide $3.5 billion, with the focus on (i) basic education, (ii) post-basic education (secondary education following the completion of primary education, vocational training and education, higher education), and (iii) education for vulnerable countries affected by conflict or disaster. Japan aims to establish quality educational environment, giving particular attention to alienated children, vulnerable

In 2010, Japan released the “Japan’s Education Cooperation Policy 2011-2015,” as its new educational cooperation policy to be implemented from 2011 through 2015, the deadline for achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

A Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer teaches Origami at an elementary school in Senegal (Photo: Kensuke Saito)
## (3) Water and Sanitation

Water and sanitation is a serious issue related to human life. In 2008, approximately 884 million people worldwide had no access to safe drinking water such as water supply or wells and approximately 2.6 billion people—about a half of the population of developing countries—had no access to basic sanitation such as sewage systems. $ ^{9} $ More than 1.5 million children under five years old lose their lives annually due to a diarrhea caused by a lack of safe water and basic sanitation facilities. $ ^{10} $

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At the 4th World Water Forum in 2006, Japan announced the Water and Sanitation Broad Partnership Initiative (WASABI). Japan’s disbursements of aid for water and sanitation are the largest in the world. Japan provides comprehensive support for both the knowledge and expertise aspect and the equipment and facilities aspect by utilizing its wealth of experience, knowledge, and technology in the following; (i) promotion of integrated water resources management, (ii) provision of safe drinking water and sanitation (improvement of sanitation facilities), (iii) support regarding water use for food production and other purposes (use of agricultural water, etc.), (iv) water pollution prevention (establishing effluent regulations) and ecosystem conservation (conservation of vegetation and sustainable forest management etc), and (v) mitigation of damage from water-related disasters (establishment of an early warning system and strengthening the disaster response capacities of individuals and local communities).

At the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-IV) in May 2008, Japan announced support for (i) promoting the development of water and sanitation facilities to provide safe drinking water to 6.5 million people, (ii) capacity building of 5,000 people on water resources management, and (iii) dispatch of the Water Security Action Team (W-SAT). $ ^{*} $ (see the figure on page 116 for details regarding TICAD) As of the end of March 2011, over 3.6 million people had received the benefits of ODA loan/grant aid for water and sanitation. Further, in December 2010, Japan led the way in the adoption by the U.N. General Assembly resolution of follow-up of the International Year of Sanitation (2008), and is supporting global efforts to achieve “Sustainable Sanitation: Five-year Drive to 2015,” by the 2015 deadline for achievement of the MDGs.

Nigerien women draw water from a well in a village where a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer works (Photo: Seico Tamai)

Note 9: Source: "Progress on Sanitation and Drinking-Water: 2010 Update" (WHO/UNICEF, 2010)

Note 10: Source: "Progress for Children: A Report Card on Water and Sanitation" (UNICEF, 2006)
A Japanese evaluation team inspects the site of the “North Lima Metropolitan Area Water Supply and Sewerage Optimization Project” that Japan implemented in Peru

## $ ^{*} $ Water Security Action Team (W-SAT)

Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, Senior Volunteers, and other technical experts from Japan are dispatched to Africa to provide technical guidance to enable the stable use of safe water. The Team conducts a wide range of activities, including ensuring safe water, maintenance and management of water supply facilities, and improvement of sanitary conditions related to water use.

Maldives

# "Sewage and Ground Water Management Project" Technical Cooperation Project (January 2009 - December 2010)

The government of the Maldives has set the goal of providing sewage facilities to all of its inhabited islands. However, the spread of sewage treatment facilities and the sewer system has just begun, and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency, the organizations in charge of carrying out the plan, has almost no experience in the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of sewage treatment facilities. In this context, the project has set goals to improve the ability of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency in designing, maintenance, and management, specifically, the ability to make specifications to outsource the design and construction of sewage treatment facilities to subcontractors, and supervise the residents of each island on the maintenance of the completed facilities. To achieve these goals, specialists were dispatched to provide direct, onsite guidance for the creation of guidelines for the formulation of design specifications, creation of maintenance and management manuals, etc., in addition to conducting training in Japan to provide an understanding of sewage treatment facilities. By this project, sewage treatment facilities are expected to be spread throughout the Maldives in the future, and appropriately maintained and managed.

A Japanese specialist conducts training on pipe connections (Photo: Yachiyo Engineering)
## (4) Agriculture

The population of the undernourished people still remains high, and grain prices tend to rise again. In such circumstances, efforts toward agricultural development are urgent issue toward the achievement of “eradication of extreme poverty and hunger,” Goal 1 of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In addition, three out of

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As Japan’s ODA Charter stated, Japan recognizes the importance of cooperation on agricultural efforts to poverty reduction and Japan is proactively striving to address food problems as a global issue (see page 84 for details regarding approaches to Food issues). In short term, Japan provides food assistance to avert food shortages, and in medium and longer term, in order to prevent and eliminate the cause of food shortages including hunger, Japan supports to increase and improve production and productivity in developing countries. Specifically, Japan uses its knowledge and experience to strengthen development and disseminate capacity of agricultural production technology suited to the cultivation environment, to strengthen organizations of farmers, and to assist policy-making as well as to improve the infrastructures like irrigation four poor people in developing countries live in rural areas. Because the majority of these individuals rely on farming for living, efforts to develop agriculture and rural communities are important, and measures to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development through economic growth are required.

facilities and farm roads. In addition, Japan provides assistance for the research and dissemination of agricultural technology of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) $ ^{*} $ in Africa. Further, Japan provides assistance in agricultural sector through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and other international organizations.

At a side event of the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-IV) held in 2008, Japan announced the “Coalition for African Rice Development” (CARD $ ^{*} $ ) initiative that aims at doubling African rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa from the

A Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer teaches planting vegetables to Nigerien women (Photo: Seico Tamai)
### 2. Sustainable Growth

## (1) Socio-economic Infrastructure

To reduce poverty in developing countries, it is indispensable not only to implement measures to reduce poverty and to provide assistance in the areas of social development that directly help the poor, but also to promote sustainable economic growth. Therefore, it is important to improve the socio-economic infrastructure that serves as the foundation for the improvement of developing countries.

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Japan supports infrastructure development and fosters the human resources to maintain, manage, and operate this infrastructure, in accordance with the development policies of developing countries. In terms of specific infrastructure development, development is carried out on roads, ports, airports, and information and communication technology (ICT). Such infrastructure contributes to an expansion of exchange between urban and rural areas, ensures security against disasters, and promotes trade and investment with overseas regions. In addition, social infrastructure, which contributes to ensuring education, health, safe water and sanitation, housing, and better access to hospitals and schools, is also established, as well as development of agricultural and fishery markets and fishing ports to revitalize local economies.

Heading toward the Saigon River Tunnel that is part of the “Saigon East-West Highway Construction Project” in Vietnam (Photo: Koji Sato/JICA)

Cambodia

# “Project on Capacity Enhancement of Environmental and Social Considerations for Resettlement” Technical Cooperation Project (April 2010 - Current)

Further improvement of the transportation infrastructure is an issue that must be resolved in order to achieve a higher level of economic growth in Cambodia through preparation and maintenance of the infrastructure. Meanwhile, it is also important to give appropriate consideration to environmental and social aspects when moving ahead with development, and in particular, if it is necessary for residents to relocate in conjunction with the construction of new roads and the increase of traffic lanes on

existing roads, it is necessary to give appropriate consideration to respecting fundamental human rights, the transparency of information, etc. Cambodia has many development needs, and in the future, the Resettlement Department of the Ministry of Economy and Finance plans to take overall control of support for the relocation of residents in conjunction with public works projects conducted by the central government, provincial governments and city governments, so improvement of the abilities of the Department is a pressing issue. To contribute to a resolution of this issue, Japan dispatches Japanese specialists and proactively implements projects to improve the capabilities of staff members who propose policies related to resettlement, and to support the maintenance of implementation rules and strengthening of the implementation structure. These efforts are expected to enable development to proceed in an appropriate and sustainable manner.

Utilizing audiovisual equipment to make explanation meetings easier for residents to understand (Photo: JICA)
## (2) Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

The dissemination of ICT $ ^{*} $ contributes to the achievement of sustainable economic growth by upgrading industries and improving productivity. It also contributes to the resolution of issues related to medical care, education, energy, the environment, disaster management, and other societal issues. Utilization of ICT improves their democracy as encouraging information disclosure by the government, enabling the improvement of broadcast media, and improving the mechanisms. It is also extremely important to strengthen the civil society through improvement of the convenience and quality of services.

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Japan provides active support to eliminate the disparities in ICT between regions and nations in order to enhance the quality of life for all people. Specifically, the main focus of support is on the construction of communication and broadcasting equipment and facilities in developing countries, and on introducing related legislation and fostering human resources. At the same time, Japan aims to provide comprehensive assistance including the infrastructural, human resource, and system aspects, such as the promotion of the Japanese style of digital terrestrial broadcasting abroad, that will also be effective in bringing economic growth to Japan.

A Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer helps nuns learn how to use a computer in Ecuador (Photo: Akihito Takahashi)

$ ^{*} $ Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

ICT is technology that integrates computers and other information technology with digital communication technology, as characterized by the Internet and mobile phones.

## Bhutan

# “Project on Capacity Development of Bhutan Broadcasting Service” Technical Cooperation Project (September 2007 - September 2010)

Aiming to lessen the widening information gap among regions, the government of Bhutan has made efforts to enhance the functions of the Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation, give accurate information, and raise the educational level of the general public. Responding to such needs, Japan has dispatched television programming specialists to Bhutan since September 2007 to conduct training on creating digital educational video materials, to disseminate education and raise public awareness, and training on digital broadcasting technology. By dispatch of experts and training, Japan has contributed to improving the staff members' ability to create programs and strengthening their management abilities. Thanks to these efforts, nationwide broadcasts of high-quality programs have become possible in Bhutan, providing accurate information widely to the people is actualized, and the information gap among regions has narrowed.

Bhutan Broadcasting Service staff members film in the National Assembly Chamber (Photo: JICA)
Ukraine

# "Ukraine-Japan Center" Technical Cooperation Project (May 2006 - May 2011)

Ukraine became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991, and the transition to a market economy did not go smoothly due to lack of human resources to introduce such new ways of thinking, entrench new ideas in society, and develop the ideas further for the benefit of the society. Thus, the development of such human resources has been an issue. To address this issue, Japan established the “Ukraine-Japan Center” as a site to foster human resources capable of making contribution to Ukraine's

economic development and promoting cooperation between the two countries in various fields. The activities of the Center are diverse, and revolve around (i) the development of business people (business administration courses, trade investment seminars, collaboration among government, industry, and academia, etc.), (ii) Japanese language education, and (iii) promotion of mutual understanding (introducing Japanese culture, etc.). These efforts yielded many outcomes, for example; Japanese management techniques were adopted by the government and businesses, and the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Peace Study Course was added to universities' curriculum. In addition, networks have been established among business, government, and the general public of Ukraine and Japan; as a result, mutual understanding between the people of both countries has deepened. The Center has become widely popular with the people of Ukraine as a good example of “Visibility of Japanese Aid,” and has served as a hub for exchange with Japan.

A business seminar conducted by Japanese experts (Photo: Ukraine-Japan Center)

India

# “Project for Visionary Leaders for Manufacturing Program (VLFM)” Technical Cooperation Project (August 2007 - Current)

In August 2007, when India’s manufacturing industry was seeking change, the “Project for Visionary Leaders for Manufacturing Program” was launched to let India know Japan’s style of production, then develop India’s own style of manufacturing techniques to strengthen India’s manufacturing industry. Under the India’s first system of collaboration among government, industry, and academia, four courses were offered for employees categorized by job title in the participating company. Over 400 individuals have completed the required courses, and are now active in India’s manufacturing industry. Through the dedicated guidance of chief advisors and specialists dispatched from Japan, participants have learned not only manufacturing techniques, but also Japan’s style of work discipline, and became leaders in the manufacturing industry. In addition, the individuals who completed the project’s courses have created products that have had an impact on the manufacturing industry, including the development of “ChotuKool,” a scaled-down refrigerator, and creating a submersible pump in collaboration with farmers, who are also their customers. The project was originally scheduled to end in August 2010, but Japan and India agreed to continue it until March 2013, to enable India to carry it autonomously in a sustainable manner.

Senior management course training in Japan (Photo: JICA)
## • Polio

Polio is in the final stages of eradication. Japan provides support, mainly through UNICEF, to provide polio vaccines and other related aid chiefly to the polio-endemic countries (countries in which polio has never been eradicated), Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. In April 2009 Japan disbursed $200,000 through UNICEF for polio vaccines to combat the urgent major outbreak of polio in Tajikistan and surrounding countries. Further, Japan has partnered with the private sector's Gates Foundation to utilize ODA loans to provide polio vaccines for approximately 32 million children under the age of five in Pakistan for supporting to eradicate polio (see page 28 for details regarding cooperation with the Gates Foundation).

A child is vaccinated for polio in Bangladesh (Photo: Daisaku Miyake)

## Neglected Tropical Diseases

Japan has taken the lead in engaging in full-scale measures against Chagas' disease in Central America, and contributes to decreasing the risk of infection by supporting the establishment of systems to implement measures against insects that transmit the disease. In regard to Filariasis,

## • Vaccinations

It has been proven that vaccinations are an inexpensive and effective method of combating infectious diseases, and it is estimated that 2 to 3 million lives could be saved each year with vaccination. $ ^{13} $ In 2011, Japan made its first contribution of 9.3 million to the GAVI Alliance $ ^{14} $ (see “Terminology” on page 33), which was established in 2000 to Japan supplies antiparasitic agents as well as educational materials to provide knowledge and understanding to a large number of people. Japan also conducts preventive education through JOCV in order to reduce the number of new patients and maintain the non-epidemic status.

improve the vaccination rate in developing countries. It has been estimated that assistance through GAVI had saved 5.82 million lives by 2010, and that it would be able to save 4.2 million more lives by 2015, the deadline for achievement of the MDGs.
### 4. Peacebuilding

Regional and internal conflicts arising from ethnic, religious, and historical differences continue to pose problems for the international community. Such conflicts generate a great number of refugees and internally displaced persons, and lead to humanitarian issues and violations of human rights. Furthermore, they also destroy achievements made through many years of developmental efforts, and cause massive economic losses. For these reasons, engagement in “peacebuilding” is the challenge for the entire international community, which could build a foundation for development to prevent conflict or its recurrence and to consolidate sustainable peace. For example, discussions on consistent approach of development assistance from the resolution of conflicts, recovery, and reconstruction to nation-building are ongoing at forums such as UN Peacebuilding Commission established in 2005.

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Japan provides support that includes assistance for refugees and food aid under armed conflict, and electoral assistance for the peace (political) process. After the resolution of conflicts, Japan assists in the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of former soldiers to ensure the consolidation of peace. It also provides support to rebuild the security sector and ensure domestic security and stability. In addition, Japan supports the reconstruction of affected countries by working to repatriate and resettle refugees and internally displaced

At the Japan-Afghanistan Policy Consultation, Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Yutaka Banno meets with Afghanistan's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eklil Ahmad Hakimi on his visit to Japan

persons, and to rebuild the basic infrastructure. Further, in order to consolidate sustainable peace and prevent the rise of another conflict, efforts are made in social sectors such as healthcare and education as well as strengthening governmental, judicial, and police functions, and supporting the development of economic infrastructure and institutions. Japan combines assistance through international organizations with bilateral aid, including grant aid, technical cooperation, and ODA loans to provide such aid in a seamless manner.