The promotion of educational, scientific, and cultural relations among nations is an important factor contributing to world peace and welfare. Japan is actively engaged in international cooperation in these areas, particularly through its participation in UNESCO activities.As one of the leading executive Board members, Japan has been supporting UNESCO’s initiatives with regard to the financial and administrative reform process.
In 2007, Japan’s voluntary contributions to UNESCO amounted to USD 11,349,733.
Priorities:
Japan is involved in the UNESCO activities through several funds-in-trust schemes. In particular, Japanese contribution focuses on the preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, capacity building of human resources in developing countires, Education of Sustainable Development (ESD), Education for All (EFA), promotion of scientific research, etc.
Geographical focus:
Although Japan’s development cooperation focuses on Asian countries for historical, economic and geographical reasons, the efforts to extend assistance to other regions as well, notably Africa, continue to be pursued.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently assisting to finance the three following programmes: