Cooperation with NGOs
(From The Japan Times Oct. 26 issue)

政府はNGOと深い連携を

Japan's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in mid-October means that Japan will again be able to make positive marks around the world. Though this is the 10th time for Japan to serve, the current problems in the world mean that Japan's interactions with foreign countries will take on added weight.

The burden of foreign policy and international action can be carried more easily through cooperation with Japan's numerous non-government organizations (NGOs). Although an essential source of information and advice, these NGOs have often failed to get the ear of the Foreign Ministry. Japan's NGOs have also been financially strapped.

The time to work for greater NGO/government cooperation within Japan is now. The need to help spur development, promote human rights, improve health and help keep peace throughout the world is more urgent than the bureaucratic squabbling over budgets, the authority in control and minor policy shifts.

Cooperating with NGOs helps because most of these organizations run small-scale aid projects that give them invaluable insight into other cultures, governments and social customs. The many Japanese NGO workers on the ground in countries throughout the world are an invaluable resource. Their grass-roots knowledge trickles upward during times of emergency. They offer a "third track" for diplomacy when difficult decisions must be made or dangerous situations arise.

The many Japanese NGOs in local communities abroad are able to complement the official global activities of Japanese government ministries. The Foreign Ministry has worked recently to improve its official development assistance program. The newly reformed Japan International Cooperation Agency is a start. However, the distribution of ODA loans and grant aid can be more effectively accomplished by cooperation and coordination with the many NGOs that are in place.

As Japan integrates with more communities at local and global levels, a better system for recognition of NGOs is required, along with greater transparency about distribution of ODA money.

国連安保理の非常任理事国入りで、日本は世界での存在感を増した。10回目の安保理入りだが、問題が山積する世界で、日本と外国との相互関係がより重要になっている。

外交政策や国際的活動は非政府組織（NGO）との連携でよりスムーズになる。NGOは重要な情報源だが、外務省が耳を傾けることはまだ少なく、NGOは経済的に苦しい立場にある。

今こそNGOと政府の連携を強化すべきだ。世界で開発、人権、健康、平和を促進することが急務だ。NGOが現地の文化や政府、社会慣習に関して得た知識は、第３の道として外交の緊急時に役立つ。

外務省はODA改革として新JICAを設立したが、貸付や贈与は現地NGOとの連携で効果が高まる。日本は地域・国際社会と深く交わる中で、NGOの活用とODAの使途の透明化が必要だ。