## (3) Onsite ODA Experience

Providing as many people as possible with opportunities to experience development cooperation by visiting at actual sites where ODA projects are implemented is one of the most effective ways to deepen their understanding of ODA. Japan also promotes support for on-site ODA observation by university students, teachers and representatives from local governments. In addition, partnerships with travel agencies to conduct the experience tours and observation tours are being strengthened. A new program was launched in 2011, in which individuals observe actual ODA project sites and submit reports after their return to Japan; in August 2011, 20 members - ten to Kenya and ten to Vietnam - successfully completed the program.

International Cooperation Reporters inspect a sewage treatment facility that is part of the "Ho Chi Minh City Water Environment Improvement Project" in Vietnam (Photo: Hikaru Nagatake/JICA)

## (4) Promotion of Discussion and Dialogue

MOFA reoriented the meeting of the Advisory Council on International Development, which had been held under the advisement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, toward a better direction, establishing a forum for representatives of the business circle, NGOs, and international organizations, as well as experts engaged in development cooperation with MOFA to discuss basic development cooperation policies on an equal footing and from a wide perspective. The Development Cooperation Forum is to be to encourage development cooperation more effective and efficient, as well as to strengthen the participation of citizens in development cooperation and to deepen understanding of ODA. MOFA is currently preparing the first forum to be held in 2012. In addition, "Discussions on International Cooperation", a forum for a dialogue between MOFA and individuals, who have an interest in the nature of diplomacy and ODA, while introducing trends in international cooperation and Japan's efforts, take place both in Tokyo and other regions each year.

JICA utilizes its International Centers and Branch Offices in local regions to promote locally born international cooperation and revitalize local regions, while holding roundtables and lectures with representatives from local industries and governments, experts, representatives, local universities, and school officials.

## (5) Human Resources Development and Development Research

The increased diversity and complexity of development issues has made it even more necessary to develop and secure capable human resources who have a high level of knowledge, abundant experience, and the ability to communicate in foreign languages, as well as to implement research activities to determine what is needed by developing countries and to gain an appropriate understanding of trends in the international community.

The Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development (FASID was established in 1990 as an organization for the promotion of the concept of an international development university. FASID has provided training and education of human resources engaged in aid, as well as investigation and research projects, and has partnered with the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) to conduct the International Development Studies (IDS) master's program. However, the review of public-benefit corporations conducted in May 2010, viewed that the role of FASID had been fulfilled, and the aforementioned projects that had been consigned to the organization by MOfA should be terminated. On the other hand, this does not change the fact that the development of human resources and investigation/research in development areas are highly important, so MOfA will continue to