The opinion exchanges provided a major roadmap for the progress of development cooperation between traditional donors and these new economies.

In 2007, the OECD-DAC continued the preparations started in the previous year for a new round of the High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (HLF-3) (Accra High Level Forum). Japan stands the position that the forum should exploit the opinions and experiences of not only traditional donors and developing countries but newly industrialized countries, whose volumes of aid have been increasing in recent years. Based on the above idea, Japan, together with Russia, a non-DAC member, served the co-chair of a private working group for dialogue with emerging economies during the preparations for the forum. Moreover, international joint surveys had been conducted on technical cooperation effective for aid effects in infrastructure fields, which Japan has traditionally emphasized, as well as capacity building of developing countries. The results of these surveys were introduced at the Accra High Level Forum.

### 2. Trends in the United Nations

## (1) The United Nations General Assembly and Related Meetings

In 2007 the UN General Assembly promoted the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review (TCPR) for the UN Development System. This time, evaluations and review were made on the adequacy and efficiency of aid offered for developing countries by UN development organizations. Specifically, themes of the discussions included development of financial functions and state capacities and development effects, and enhancement of the functions of the UN Development System. Moreover, in December 2007, it was decided to hold a meeting aimed at the confirmation of the state of progress in aid for African countries, identification of new issues, and clarification of the future roadmap. In response, the international community held a high-level meeting on Africa's development needs in September 2008. At this meeting, Japan presented to the international community the results of TICAD IV and the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit.

(2) The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Development Cooperation Forum

ECOSOC enhances its functions as a major organization to implement international development goals agreed at UN meetings and G8 Summits. ECOSOC decided to hold the Development Cooperation Forum (DCF) every second year in response to the resolution to enhance ECOSOC functions at UN Summit in 2005 and the General Assembly in 2006. This forum is aimed at reviewing the development strategies, policies, and loan situations of respective countries. The forum's major goals are to enhance the consistency of activities by various development partners and strengthen the overall connections among operations of UN organizations. In July 2008, the forum was held for essentially the first time following preparatory meetings. Areas discussed in the forum include results-oriented development goals, such as the modality of assistance to achieve the MDGs, enhancement of aid efficiency, and in particular South-South cooperation and Triangular cooperation. Japan introduced to the international community its successful methods such as third country training and the South-South Cooperation Partnership Program. Japan also expressed its opinions concerning support for Africa, including the TICAD process, through third country training.

### 3. Trends in the World Bank

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund held their Joint Development Committee in October 2007. The committee presented a long-term strategy vision dubbed “An Inclusive & Sustainable Globalization” that takes into consideration impoverished groups. The committee furthermore presented six themes to achieve the vision: (1) Helping to overcome poverty and spur sustainable growth in the poorest countries, especially in Africa; (2) Addressing the special challenges of states coming out of conflict; (3) Developing a competitive menu of “development solutions” for middle income countries, involving customized services as well as finance; (4) Playing a more active role with regional and global “public goods” on issues crossing national borders, including climate change, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and aid for trade; (5) Supporting those advancing development and opportunity in the Arab world; and (6) Fostering a “knowledge and learning” agenda across the World Bank Group to support its role as a “brain trust” of applied experience.