In the 21st century, we are witnessing a dynamic change of the world system. Some developing countries have enjoyed significant economic growth, changing their status from middle-income countries into high-income ones, and some have even emerged as world-leading economies. On the other hand, we see some countries that are still suffering with conflicts and/or fragile domestic conditions. They have made limited progress on poverty reduction, health, and/or education issues, thus, threats to their “human security” remain.With this context in mind, I will try to touch upon Japanese experiences from development assistance extended to Asia, Latin America and Africa and to discuss challenges that Japan is currently facing in conducting its policy for international cooperation.

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At the 87th GRIPS Forum on December 16, 2013, Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), gave a lecture titled “The World System in the 21st Century and Japan’s International Cooperation”. In this forum, he explained a current framework and the future and challenges of international cooperation. Furthermore, he also examined JICA’s work, which has been evaluated highly.