## (5) Measures against the global water problem

The global water problem is being discussed in various international conferences, such as in terms of climate change caused by global warming, the growing population in the world, the rapid economic growth of developing countries, the increase in water demand due to urbanization or water pollution. In the $ 5^{th} $ World Water Forum, a ministerial-level international conference was held in March 2009, the key message was summarized; that is, to achieve “Water Safety Protection” for tackling the global issues. As an effective way to solve the water problem, there is a common international consensus to formulate an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Plan. Therefore, Japan is supporting the formation of the “IWRM Guidelines at River Basin Level” led by UNESCO. At the same time, Japan is working together with UNESCO and Network of Asia River Basin Organization (NARBO), and contributing to the popularization and promotion of Integrated Water Resources Management. The Japan Sanitation Consortium (JSC) was founded as the knowledge hub of the sanitation division of the Asia-Pacific region and the Japan Global Center for Urban Sanitation (GCUS), which provides technical support through industry, educational institutions and government sectors was established; and international cooperation is being pushed forward for world water and sanitation problems.

To cope with the increase in the risk of global water disasters due to climate change resulting from global warming, with international contribution in the form of technical support regarding adaptations to climate change, Japan is promoting international cooperation on planning procedures for accommodating measures in the Asia-Pacific region, and JICA is providing assistance to Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, etc. Furthermore, based on our accumulated knowledge including the development of an early flooding alert system utilizing satellite and talent development, the International Center for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM), as a knowledge hub in the Asia-Pacific region for water disasters, is providing international support in cooperation with Asian Development Bank.

Moreover, for solving the water problems within the country, the “communication council of related ministries and government offices regarding water problems” was formed by 13 government ministries and is working out the reinforcement of cooperation.

## Section 2 – Efforts towards International Standards

## (1) International coordination of automobile standards and verification system

For the cheap and early popularization of safe automobiles with a high level of functionality, our country participates actively in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe – World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (UNECE/WP29). While pushing forward the international coordination of automobile safety and environmental standards, suggestions are actively raised in order to internationally popularize Japan's new technology through this coordination activity. Moreover, beginning with China and India, cooperation with Asian countries will be further deepened from now on in the aspect of standard verification systems through supporting participation in activities regarding the coordination of automobile standards as mentioned in the UNECE/WP29.

## (2) Measures towards international specifications regarding railways

International railway specifications are not only important for the overseas business development of Japan’s outstanding technology and specifications but also affect the whole railway industry in Japan, so it is necessary to deal with international standards strategically. Therefore, MLIT is cooperating with railway business operators and related industries and working on international standardizing activities, such as delivering the outstanding technology of Japan. Based on the “Action Plan of standardization activities in railways sector”, aggressive activities are being carried out in FY 2009. Additionally, the Railway International Standards Center in the Railway Technical Research Institute was established in July 2009 and activities were started, aiming to be in full operation in April of next year.

## (3) Measures towards the international standard regarding ships and crews

The international marine transport business is running with ships and crews of different nationalities. According to the international unified rules regarding safety and environmental protection, it is necessary to run under appropriate and fair competitive conditions. Therefore, our country is actively contributing to the formulation of international standards according to conventions regarding ships and crews, including the SOLAS Convention $ ^{1} $ , MARPOL Convention $ ^{2} $ and STCW Convention $ ^{3} $ .

## (4) International coordination of civil and construction standards and verification system

Recently, in the globalizing market of civil, construction and residential housing, various measures are being implemented including the application of systems such as the functional verification of foreign construction materials and the approval of evaluation institutes, and the technological cooperation performed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).