On Monday, April 27th, our Executive Director, Aomi Katagiri, took the stage at the Policy Pitch held at Todofuken Kaikan. This event brought together youth advocators in the field of global health, who shared policy proposals based on on-the-ground experiences with Diet members and private sector representatives.
Trends of reducing foreign aid budgets have been seen in a number of countries, with increasing focus on domestic issues. Katagiri emphasized the importance ofJapan to demonstrate leadership in rebuilding multilateral cooperation within the international community.
In the background of doubts and misunderstandings surrounding ODA contributions, there is insufficient information and discussion opportunities for the citizens regarding the funding sources and sustainability of ODA.
To address this issue, Katagiri called for the preparation and publication of reports in two phases: before and after ODA contributions are made. Prior to disbursement, we demand the calculation and clear disclosure of the benefits of providing ODA (such as economic effects from averting a pandemic and detailed numbers of benefits to the Japanese enterprises) and the economic losses Japan would incur if it did not provide ODA (such as economic losses due to a pandemic). We also demand the disclosure of the internationally requested amount and Japan’s estimated share, international comparisons with other donor countries, performance indicators from past disbursements, and the position of ODA within the overall national budget.
Regarding the post-contribution phase, we proposed setting objective and verifiable KPIs—such as the number of technology transfers, local jobs created, and human resource development achievements—with a primary focus on the improvement effects for recipient countries. Katagiri also asked for Japanese government officers to request international organizations to prepare a “Report on the Results of Japan’s Contributions” summarizing the use of Japanese funds, outcomes, and the participation records of Japan-related companies.
The floor raised practical questions, such as what kind of policies and budget levels the youth generation is seeking, and whether there are examples of pre- and post-ODA evaluation being conducted in other countries.
