Webinar “Navigating Uncertainty: The Future of Japan’s ODA in a Shifting Global Landscape”

On July 23, 2025, the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development (JICA Ogata Research Institute) and the Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG) co-hosted a webinar titled “Navigating Uncertainty: The Future of Japan’s ODA in a Shifting Global Landscape.” The event began by sharing the latest trends from the United States and Europe, followed by a discussion on the future direction of Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) at a time when global unity is faltering.

By contrast, for development cooperation to gain public support in Japan, Tanaka noted that in addition to projects implemented through public-private partnerships that involve Japanese firms, the wide range of outreach activities that are partly conducted by the 15 branch offices of JICA in Japan are likely playing big roles as well. Looking ahead to future Japan-US cooperation, Tanaka referred to a statement from Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, which states that US development assistance should consider investing in sustainable growth and bringing in private funding. As this aligns with the philosophy of Japanese international cooperation, Tanaka expressed hope that the US would leverage the Japan-US partnership.

Next, Harada Tetsuya , Chief Representative for Europe and Head of JICA France Office (also a Principal Research Fellow at the JICA Ogata Research Institute), reported that European ODA is also facing budget cuts and waning public support. He explained that funding priorities are being debated, particularly whether funding for “core ODA” for least-developed countries or the social sector should be secured, given the growing diversification of ODA spending in recent years—ranging from support for Ukraine and climate change measures to in-donor refugee costs. Meanwhile, bearing China’s Belt and Road Initiative in mind, some are seeking strategic international cooperation. Harada observed that ODA debates in Europe currently revolve around two pillars: one focused on returning to the original mission of ODA, and the other on prioritizing national interest.

Harada also touched on how collaboration and knowledge exchange among developing countries were increasingly becoming active at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which was held in Spain in early July 2025. Harada said that Japan should avoid a patronizing stance as an ODA “provider,” and instead exercise leadership while building equal partnerships with developing countries.

In the latter half of the webinar, three panelists joined Tanaka and Harada in a discussion moderated by Kamei Haruko , Director General, JICA Ogata Research Institute. The discussion focused on the role Japan should play at this turning point for development cooperation, as well as efforts to raise public awareness of ODA in Japan.

Ohno Izumi , Professor Emeritus, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (also a Senior Research Advisor at the JICA Ogata Research Institute), emphasized that Japan’s next steps are crucial amid a paradigm shift in development cooperation. Rather than following the US and Europe in scaling back aid, Japan should take on the role of a “stabilizer” by actively engaging in development cooperation and positioning itself as a “hub” for new international frameworks and alliances that include both Europe and emerging partners. Ohno also warned against the risks of excessive aid dependence. She explained that based on firsthand experience assisting development, Japan has established approaches that combine trade, investment and ODA to foster industrial development and create jobs, thereby enabling self-reliant development. These approaches, she argued, should be revisited, systematized and communicated globally. She further pointed out that while interest in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is growing in Japan, interest in international cooperation is declining, and emphasized the need to close this gap in public perception.

Sagara Yoshiyuki , Senior Research Fellow, IOG, reflected on the trajectory of the world’s ODA since the end of World War II. Compared to the exhilaration following the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, the world is now marked by structural shift and instability. He proposed three key concepts for the future of Japanese ODA: human dignity, security, and prosperity, with prosperity serving as an alternative framing for development. Sagara proposed the “Sustainable Prosperity Goals (SPGs)” as a possible post-SDGs concept for 2030 and beyond. He also stressed the importance of conveying how international cooperation can serve both global and national interests. He cited the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, where global health security and national health security quickly became interconnected.

Hara Shohei , Senior Vice President, JICA, noted that the situation around Japanese ODA is continuously changing as well. He described how the Development Cooperation Charter was revised in 2023, reaffirming the importance of human security and how revisions to the Act on the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Independent Administrative Agency (JICA Law) have enabled the mobilization of private funding and engagement with new partners. While stressing that Japanese international cooperation must evolve, he underscored its enduring principle, which is the need to put ourselves in the shoes of people in developing countries and respect local partners. He also expressed concern over declining public interest in ODA, calling it an urgent issue. Hara closed the webinar by saying that precisely because ODA and JICA alone could not do so much to change the world for the better, it was essential to reach out with humility to a wider range of people so that they first become interested in, then understand, and ultimately support and participate in ODA and international cooperation. Building solidarity with diverse global actors is indispensable.

A video recording of this webinar is available (in Japanese) at the link below.