Speech Transcripts

Your Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is my great pleasure to be here at this important conference.

JICA seeks to realize Human Security through our vision of "Leading the World with Trust." Human Security is a concept that aims to build a world where everyone can live in dignity, free from fear and want.

To respond to COVID-19, JICA has worked with partner countries through its ongoing operations, including emergency financial assistance. JICA is also committed to expanding its health programs to fight COVID-19. As a core of Human Security, we will enhance our efforts to save lives and to strengthen international cooperation.

Water can not only benefit but also affect us. Today, I will touch on both of these aspects.

First of all, water is an essential part of the world. It is not only vital for human survival, but it is also necessary to maintain good health and enriched livelihoods. Recognizing this importance, over the last 10 years, JICA has reached approximately 30 million individuals to provide improved access to safe water.

Clean water also plays a vital role in preventing infection. We save lives by raising awareness about the importance of handwashing in collaboration with many governments.

In Madagascar, a JICA Volunteer, a famous local singer and a staff of JICA, worked together to produce a song to encourage everyone to wash their hands. That ex-JICA staff, appointed as the Minister of Water, Hygiene and Sanitation, now uses this song to improve hand hygiene and prevent COVID-19 across the country.

In Egypt, the government earnestly adapt Japanese-style special activities in classrooms, in order to ensure holistic development of children. As part of these activities, students are taught to properly wash their hands.

JICA will continue to improve global hygiene by promoting handwashing in every space. In order to enhance a handwashing habit, we will work closely with partners not only in the WASH sector, but also in related sectors, including health, education, and nutrition. We will also continue to improve access to safe water around the world.

Now, I turn to the second aspect of water.

Japan has a long history of water-related disasters. In 1959, Japan was hit by the Isewan Typhoon, resulting in more than 5,000 casualties. I remember this incident and can still recall how frightening it was.

A distinctive feature of Japan's policy on DRR, or disaster risk reduction, is its emphasis on ex-ante investment, rather than on emergency response. Given this approach, the Japanese government has managed to dramatically decrease Japan's death tolls. JICA is now working to promote the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which reflects upon Japan's own experiences.

Floods have increased in severity in many parts of the world. Thus, efforts to control them have become more important as a fundamental resilience even under the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, JICA continues to implement DRR programs and strengthen the capacity of government agencies and human resources. As part of its DRR programs, JICA has trained approximately 110,000 individuals in the last five years.

In 2000, JICA supported the Government of the Philippines in establishing a Flood Control and Sabo Engineering Center. Prior to this engagement, the Philippines did not have any technical institutions dedicated to flood control management. Now, because of the project, the country has local engineers and officials who can implement flood control measures.In 2009, Manila was struck by Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. The expertise of local engineers as well as the Mangahan Floodway, constructed with Japanese assistance, helped reduce flooding in metro manila.

Much like many parts of the world, Japan is also experiencing intensified heavy rain events, with heightened levels of flooding. In response, Japanese stakeholders have enhanced their collaborations on the Integrated Flood Management. In addition to structural measures, it also integrates non-structural measures, such as land use incentivization. It is expected that this would further minimize loss of property and life.

JICA remains committed to make efforts to save people's lives and prevent diseases through the improvement of water and hygiene access. Simultaneously, JICA will also provide DRR support to mitigate impacts of water-related disasters. Taking preventive measures is prioritized action for those issues. Capacity development is essential as well and JICA has provided scholarship for young leaders in developing countries through its JICA-Development Studies Program.

In the recovery process from COVID-19, JICA will apply the notion of Build Back Better alongside our partners. I believe it would lead to create resilient societies through inclusive countermeasures against all threats where no one is left behind.

Thank you.