President's Desk

October 1, 2008, marks the beginning of New JICA.

This is a landmark event in the history of Japanese international cooperation. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the cooperation of all those involved, and as president of New JICA I am deeply aware of the gravity of my responsibilities.

Under our new system, three forms of assistance previously administered by separate agencies-technical cooperation, concessionary loans (Japanese ODA Loans) and grant aid-will be seamlessly managed by a single entity. This will enable us to provide high quality international cooperation to meet the needs of people living in developing countries.

We are also embracing a new Vision, “Inclusive and Dynamic Development”. To make this Vision a reality, we have adopted the following four Missions: (1) addressing the global agenda, including climate change, water security and food supplies, and infectious diseases; (2) reducing poverty through equitable growth; (3) improving governance, such as through reform of the policies and systems of developing country governments; and (4) achieving human security.

All people, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or age, should be allowed to recognize the development issues they themselves face, participate in addressing them, and enjoy the fruits of such endeavors. New JICA aims to provide effective backing for such self-initiated efforts and to promote development that will result in a self-reinforcing cycle of poverty reduction and economic growth.

With the merger, New JICA seeks to further its partnerships with local governments, universities, NGOs, private sector entities, and citizens interested in international cooperation, and we will work diligently to serve as a bridge between Japan and developing countries.

In a world where people, goods, capital, and information move across national borders rapidly and in large volumes, there will be increasing instances where we are made to realize that the problems of one country pose a threat to the entire globe. New JICA aims to work together to ensure the healthy development of our single, interdependent world and further enhance Japan’s international cooperation with the peoples’ understanding and support.