○Date/Time:20/September/2007(Thursday)(10:00-12:00)
○Location: Room893, South Building, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
○Participating Organisations(Participants)

A. MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan):
・H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General for Sub-Saharan African Affairs
・Mr. Shigeo MATSUTOMI, Deputy Director General for Sub-Saharan African Affairs
・Mr. Shigeyuki HIROKI, Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Bureau
・Mr. Yasuo TAKASE, Special Coordinator for Sub-Saharan African Affairs
・Mr. Osamu SAKASHITA, Director, Second Africa Division
・Mr. Seiji OKADA, Senior Coordinator for TICAD IV
・Mr. Mr. Kosuke AMIYA, Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, Second Africa Division, Chief of Administration)
・Mr. Daisuke SATO, Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, First Africa Division, Chief for Central Africa Group& TICAD Side Events
・Mr. Akira TATSUKI, International Cooperation Bureau, Non Governmental Organisations Cooperation Division, Chief for Second Financial Aid Group)
・Mr. Takayoshi KUROMIYA, International Cooperation Bureau, Second Country Assistance Planning Division, Chief of Administration
・Mr. Masahiro HORIUCHI, International Cooperation Bureau, Aid Policy Planning Division, Senior Advisor
・Mr. Yasutaka KURIBAYASHI, Second Africa Division

B.TICAD �W NGO Network (TNnet) affiliated organisations:
・AFRIC Africa
・Africa Japan Forum(AJF)
・Africa-Rikai Project
・Oxfam Japan
・The Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation(JANIC)
・CARE International Japan
・Japan Volunteer Center(JVC)
・Plan Japan
・RESULTS Japan
・HUNGER FREE WORLD
・Hottokenai Sekai no Mazushisa (Don’t Let It Be-World Poverty)
・Yokohama NGO Network(YNN)
・World Vision Japan
(Secretariat)
TICAD Civil Society Forum (TCSF)

C. Observer organisations:
・ Yamamoto School
・ Ehime Global Network
・ Ex-Volunteers Association for Architects

D. Observer International Agencies:
・ Mr. Morikazu KISHI, Vice Representative, UNHCR Japan
・ Mr. Hikaru KOZUKI, External Relations, UNHCR Japan
・ Mr. Itaru FURUTA, Donor Relations, WFP Office in Japan

E. Chairperson:
Prof. Dr. Masahisa KAWABATA, Law Faculty, Ryukoku University

【Programme】
(1)Opening remarks
(2)Introduction of new officials and directors of Sub-Saharan African Affairs (hereafter SSAA)
(3)Details of regional preparatory sessions: Programmes and schedule
(4)Feedback to the proposals

1)To admit NGOs from Africa and Japan to participate in the regional preparatory sessions as official members.
2)To ask the joint-hosts to carry the cost for the participation of African and Japanese NGO members.
3)To discuss the selection of NGOs to participate in the regional sessions with TNnet.
4)To give permission to the NGOs from Africa and Japan to organise a civil society session as one of the subcommittees of the regional sessions. (Not as a peripheral activity)
5)To allow a representative of NGOs to present a summary of the civil society session in the plenary meeting of the regional sessions as in the previous TICAD ministerial meeting in March.
(5)Views on the future development in Africa
(6)About the connection between APF, G8 and TICAD
(7)Dialogue

Distributed documents
�@The day’s programme
�AThe list of participants of the third periodic consultation
�BProposals on participation of the civil society in TICAD process (Petition)
�CTime schedule up to TICAD �W (MoFA)
�DFurther actions for TICAD �W (MoFA)
　
(1)Opening Remarks
1. Opening remarks by Prof. Minoru OBAYASHI, President of TCSF
Thank you for making time for this consultation in your busy schedules.
Now, the 4th TICAD is approaching and it is time to think about actions of all stakeholders including the Japanese government and civil society. I hope that we can talk constructively to make this occasion a beginning of our concrete partnership.

2. Opening remarks by H.E. Mr.Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General of SSAA, MoFA
We have about eight months to TICAD �W, and the preparation process has started to take form. The regional preparatory meetings will be held soon. More senior officials have been assigned as SSAA directors. I appreciate the increasing attention to TICAD from the civil society in addition to your support and cooperation with Africa. We strive to continue the promotion of African diplomacy with the aim for strengthening wide spread relationship between Japan and Africa. I am looking forward to hearing your frank opinions on the details of TICAD in this third periodical meeting.

(2)Introduction of new officers and directors of SSAA.
【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
Apologises for the delay of Mr. MATSUTOMI and Mr. HIROKI and introduces their names and positions.)
・Mr. Shigeo MATSUTOMI, Deputy Director General for SSAA and Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau
・Mr. Shigeyuki HIROKI, Deputy Director General for SSAA and International Cooperation Bureau

【MoFA Mr. Yasuo TAKASE, Special Coordinator】
I am in charge of PR and TICAD peripheral activities.
I was assigned to SSAA on August 1st. I had been out of the office in Tokyo for seven years but I have been in touch with African affairs; I resided in Nigeria three years ago, and took some part in TICAD �V. Around 1995, I resided in Zambia for two years. I believe that TICAD preparation must be discussed together with the NGOs.

(3)Details of the regional preparatory sessions : Programmes and schedule
【MoFA: Mr. Osamu SAKSHITA, Second Africa Division】
About the regional preparatory sessions, the first session will be held in Zambia on October 30 and 31, the second will be held in Tunisia on November 21 and 22. We will ask the south and south east African countries to attend in Zambia, and the north, northwest and central African countries to attend in Tunisia. These two meetings are at senior-officials level and we are going to discuss the points related to each region and the areas related to the TICAD agenda. We will ask each country to participate in either of the meetings. A ministerial session is planned around February to March 2008, in Gabon, and this is for all the countries in Africa. In early October, we will have a preliminary meeting with the joint-hosts such as UN, UNDP, World Bank, etc. We will decide the details of the regional sessions after the meeting with them.

(4)Feedback to the proposals
【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
As a whole, we welcome the interests from the civil society. We would like to take in the ideas and proposals based on the experiences of the NGOs who are well acquainted in the issues of how we can effectively support Africa to improve the situation whilst emphasizing “human security”.
I have just received the proposals last Friday. We will discuss it thoroughly in the ministry. Whilst keeping in mind about the meeting with the joint-hosts early next month, we would like to discuss constructively based on the idea of cooperation with civil society. I do not have clear-cut answers to all the proposals, but I would like to move on to each issue.

・To admit NGOs from Africa and Japan to participate in the regional preparatory sessions as official members.
The membership issue concerns the policy of the sessions, so we need to discuss it with our joint-hosts. Nevertheless, we think that it is important to listen to the opinions of civil society. We will consider this further.

・To ask the joint-hosts to carry the cost for the participation of African and Japanese NGO members.
We are under discussion on what we can do about the carrying of the costs, since there is a limit to the budget. We may be able to cut some costs if we can expect the participation of the NGOs based in the area of each regional session and the Japanese NGOs active in the respective areas.

・To discuss the selection of NGOs to participate in the regional sessions with TNnet.
In order to select appropriate NGOs to participate in the regional sessions from many candidates, we would like to ask your shared opinions based on solid sources such as research results or experiences through your activities. If there are certain NGOs that TNnet can recommend, we would like you to provide their information for us.

・To give permission to the NGOs from Africa and Japan to organise a civil society session as one of the subcommittees of the regional session.(Not as a peripheral activity)
The issue of the subcommittee concerns the policy of the sessions. We need more time for discussion. The issue of how we can reflect the situations and the needs of the respective region to the TICAD agenda is included in the objectives of the regional sessions. We think that it is necessary to listen to the ideas of the NGOs active in Africa.

・To allow a representative of NGOs to present a summary of the civil society session in the plenary meeting of the regional sessions as in the previous TICAD ministerial meeting in March.
Actual opportunity for your representative to speak in the session relates to the previous points discussed, but we will consider it along with the issue of the subcommittee.
Times we have are limited and because the petition is addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, it needs thorough consideration. Please understand that we could only give you a kind of an interim report at the moment.

【Africa Japan Forum(AJF): Mr. Ryuichiro SAITO, Executive Director】
In the ministerial meeting of TICAD �V in 2001, the joint-hosts organised a session with civil society, and three NGOs that had networks in Kenya, Senegal and Zimbabwe were invited. I understand that the joint-hosts had recognised the importance of “discussing with appropriate representatives of civil society”. In 2003, at the time of TICAD �V, regional sessions were held in four locations. ACT 2003 (the active NGO association at that time) submitted a list of recommended NGOs for each regional session at the periodical consultations with MoFA. For the first regional session held in Addis Ababa, ACT 2003 organisers raised funds from other NGOs for their participation. From the second regional session, the TICAD joint-hosts chose five NGOs in reference to this list and sponsored them for their participation. I would like to emphasise once again the precedent that the joint-hosts recognised the importance of discussing with civil society and they also covered the necessary costs to make discussions possible.

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
We will look into the precedent examples.
Of course, we will examine the precedent cases and consider it, but I hope you can understand that the budget is tighter, as for the regional sessions, we could have three locations last time, but only two this time.

【TCSF: Dr. Sayaka FUNADA CLASSEN, Vice President】
Just to confirm, I believe that I have received consent from MoFA several times since the early stage of our discussion with the former Director General Mr. OTABE and Mr. MEGATA that “there will be no setback from the precedent cases about the cooperation with civil society”. Referring to your words, the basic understanding I have is that the costs for inviting NGOs are included in this year and next year’s budget. Am I wrong?

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
This year’s budget had been already decided before I was assigned to SSAA, and it does not necessarily reflect my own opinion.

【TCSF: Dr. Sayaka FUNADA CLASSEN, Vice President】
However, I have heard the words “no setback” from Mr. MEGATA too, and I believe that you could maintain the same condition as before. The regional preparatory session will be held in one month, and we hope to make a significant contribution as partners. In the regional session to be held in one month in Zambia, I am sure that we can look forward to meaningful proposals from the NGOs since the civil society in the focused area: south east Africa is developing and many Japanese NGOs are active. It would be a great opportunity for the NGOs to make proposals based on their long experience in the field.
Such significant involvement of the NGOs would surely be a good sign for Japan to show the world that not only the government but the private sectors are also doing their best for the development of Africa. I believe that it would contribute to building trust toward Japan as a country and it should also benefit the government. I understand the importance of talking with the joint-hosts, but could you give us an outline of the proposals from MoFA? The discussion will be held in ten days, so there must be at least some vague plan. I have no doubt that the participation of civil society is included in the plan.

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
We have not yet come to a conclusion. It is still under consideration. We need to discuss it further internally.

【TCSF: Dr. Sayaka FUNADA CLASSEN, Vice President】
Your departure is at the end of this month; at what stage are you going to finalise the specific contents of the discussion with the joint-hosts?

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
We would like to finalise our policies for the discussion before our departure to the joint-hosts executive committee.

【TCSF: Dr. Sayaka FUNADA CLASSEN, Vice President】
We have some proposals for the regional sessions, for example, the appropriate topics to be discussed in each region, or the members to be invited to discuss certain topic. In order to realise them, when would be the deadline to submit them?

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
We still need to consider whether your proposals can be realised, but if you have any such proposals, please submit them as soon as possible.

【TCSF: Prof. Minoru OBAYASHI, President】
I think it might be easier for you to discuss the details internally if we could give you our proposals in detail promptly.

【Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Masahisa KAWABATA】
I heard that the budget situation is tighter, but how much difference is there for the budget from the last TICAD?

【MoFA: Mr. Osamu SAKASHITA, Second Africa Division】
I am not prepared to give you details of the budget today, but it is not the same as before. Whilst considering the budget for the NGOs, we must consider the budget as a whole.

【Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Masahisa KAWABATA】
I would like to understand your words as “not impossible”. I had an understanding that you were bringing the proposals of the Japanese government to the meeting with the joint-hosts. Are you going to discuss things generally? If you could make a proposal with Japanese initiative, you can include some issues from civil society. Could you explain the decision making process to us?

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
We expect to hear different opinions from the joint-hosts, but as the main organiser of the whole event, Japanese government will surely take initiative in the discussion.

【TCSF: Dr. Sayaka FUNADA CLASSEN, Vice President】
I would like to take it that MoFA would consider things positively. We will discuss the details and make a proposal. However, this style of “NGOs making proposals on paper and asking for a reply from MoFA” does not match the concept of “working together for TICAD”. Who is the person in charge of the regional session in Zambia?

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
The contact person will be Director SAKASHITA.

【TCSF: Dr. Sayaka FUNADA CLASSEN, Vice President】
We will bring our proposals to Mr. SAKASHITA and work together the details.

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
I agree.

【RESULTS Japan: Ms. Noriko SHIRASU】
Thank you for a very positive response. I would like to ask you a very basic question. Our petition is addressed to Minister MACHIMURA, but how exactly is it going to be processed?

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
It is addressed to the current representative of MoFA, Minister MACHIMURA, so you do not need to re-submit it even if the minister changes.

【TCSF: Prof. Minoru OHBYASHI, President】
The peripheral activities were discussed in the second periodic consultation. Have you decided to allow TNnet members to join the organisers? Have there been progress concerning the peripheral activities?

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
It is under consideration internally. Some organisations are planning various activities in relation to TICAD. We hope that those organisations, NGOs and MoFA could launch a committee where we can discuss cooperation, coordination, sponsorship from MoFA, etc. We are planning it to serve as a committee to exchange information, discuss coordination, and create necessary partnership. We do not consider it as an executive committee for a certain activity.

【TCSF: Prof. Minoru OBYASHI, President】
In the “Africa 2008 campaign”, of which TCSF serves as secretariat, we are cooperating with several partners for some of the projects. I hope that this committee would not be just a formal meeting and we could all participate in the discussion from project preparation to actual implementation and communicate interactively. Also for other activities planned by MoFA, we request you to consider our members’ participation as observers so that information is transmitted in advance.

【TCSF: Dr. Sayaka FUNADA CLASSEN,Vice President】
Finally, about the petition, we will proceed by discussing the details of regional sessions in Zambia with Mr. SAKASHITA of Second Africa Division, but when should we expect your reply for other issues? Today is our third periodical consultation, but the fourth may be in the middle of the regional session in November. I guess the outline will be decided after the meeting with the joint-hosts in October, but could you give us a rough　date?

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
We would like to reply as soon as possible. We need some time to talk not only with the joint-hosts but also with the African countries; nevertheless, we will do our best.

【TCSF: Dr. Sayaka FUNADA CLASSEN, Vice President】
We rely on you to put civil society on the table of discussion with the joint-hosts and to take initiative in order to reach a consensus.

【MoFA: Mr. Osamu SAKASHITA, Second Africa Division】
We will decide the details such as how to carry out civil society sessions after the discussion with the joint-hosts.

【RESULTS Japan: Mr. Noriko SHIRASU】
I hope you can work out some agreement. I hope to hear of good results under the leadership of Director-General.

【TCSF: Dr. Sayaka FUNADA CLASSEN, Vice President】
We are preparing to send the English version of the petition to the joint-hosts in two or three days so that it can become an issue in the discussion. Please be reminded that the same information is in the hands of the joint-hosts as well.

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
(Answers the question of Mr. OBAYASHI about the launching of the committee for peripheral activities,)
We would like to pay respect to the policies of the main organisers. We will take positive measures to exchange and share information on what kind of project is being planned.

【TCSF: Prof. Minoru OBAYASHI, President】
Since all peripheral activities are aimed at the public, there should be no problem in accepting our representatives as observers considering the needs of transparency and accountability to the public.

【MoFA: Mr. Yasuo TAKASE, Special Coordinator】
I heard that there have been several occasions of exchanging ideas at the working level. I hope that we could continue to have these meetings to discuss things together.

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director-General】
We will consider it as necessary.

(5)The perspective of the future development in Africa
【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA Director General for African Affairs】
(Ref. distributed paper)
As far as I am concerned, generally in Africa, especially in the field of peace and democratisation, there is a positive indications. It is clear from the end of the civil war and the success of the first presidential election after the settlement of peace in Sierra Leone. Needless to say, there still remains the problem of poverty, food shortage, demography and warfare in certain areas. Additionally there is the problem of governance to be worked out. The importance of the evolution of ownership of African countries, the movement around AU, and the role of other regional economy communities and its initiative is increasing. The international concern towards Africa and African development has never been so strong. African heads of states recently had a meeting with the Chinese government, however, emerging donor countries such as China, civil society, etc are also having good concern on African development.
For 5 and 10 years ahead, we have set out “Towards a Vibrant Africa/A Continent of Hope and Opportunity” as a message. There are three topics as important issues for TICAD IV under this message; acceleration of development, settlement of human security, and prescription for environmental climate change problem. Firstly, six percent of average economic growth is maintained and this is not a bubble growth that is encouraged by the increase of oil price and mineral resource, but a relatively high growth also in countries with no reliable natural resource. We would like to booster this tendency and emphasise sustainable support which would cover the poor people. Secondly, in order to associate economic growth with poverty reduction the establishment of the idea of human security is effective and it aims to end fear and deprivation by supporting accomplishment of MDGs. The support that communities, local governments and governments can take action is essential. Furthermore, the pervasion and the establishment of the idea of human security are essential to ensure the movement from peace settlement to the reconstruction of a nation. Thirdly, concerning environment and climate change, many countries in Africa engage in agriculture and they are very weak against climate change. We would like to encourage approaches towards problems of climate change adjustment and eliminate burdens on growth. The issues such as efficient energy and the problem of forest resource conservation ultimately lead to the provision of the prevention of global warming. Japan will take leadership in these three important issues, but we would like to gather knowledge and resource of international society on these ideas.
Precisely, there are four connecting fields to approach the three issues mentioned above. We would like to call for an accurate approach to those fields. It is important that the approach should lead to self sustainability and continuous growth, and besides,, the combination and the mutual effect between each field must be considered. The four fields are the operation towards �@acceleration of development, �AMDGs, �Bsettlement of peace and human security, and �Cantidote for problems of environment and climate change.
Moreover, there are needs for the stress on coordination between African countries itself, regional and multilateral donors, making the most of the experience of South・South Asian cooperation, the development of human resources for self-reliance, improvement of governance etc. as cross-cutting issues. African states are different and each approach should be flexible to fit to each situation. Considering these, the collaboration with private sector and civil society is also important.
Taking the basic concept mentioned above into consideration, we are starting to negotiate with various sides. At the moment, we are receiving a good reaction from African countries. We are looking forward to deepen the discussion at the regional organisation session through formulation of an accurate plan and approach and obtain ideas and supports from NGO.

【MoFA: Mr. Shigeyuki HIROKI, International Cooperation Bureau Counsellor】
I appreciate for having enlightened people to the session today, thank you. I am very glad to have support from Japanese NGO because I have seen the European NGOs being active when I took part in the Gleneagles summit. I am aware of your demand for participation in the regional organisation session. I am looking forward for a successful TICAD with your understanding and by creating credibility with you. The international cooperation bureau is considering about the issues on page 2 of the distributed paper. We are explaining the same thing to the ministry of finance and to the administration.
We have started the discussion on what kind of cooperation could be done to accelerate growth in Africa with JETRO for export investment, JICA for agriculture, and JBIC for infrastructure. We would like to carry it by making the best of your experience and creating credibility. We are very much concerned with HIV/AIDS・mother and child health, school and education as an approach for human security. The development in community is also taken into consideration, although the application of Japanese approach, One Village One Product (OVOP), to Africa remains to be discussed.
We would like to support the self-help effort for peace settlement in Africa. We need to discuss more about this with the ministry of finance. Finally, environment and climate change is the topic which the Former Prime Minister Abe was focusing on. Japan would like to take initiative in this area in the new administration.
To conclude, we want your help to secure the cooperation of international intellectuals and funding because in fact, the financial prospect is difficult at the moment.

【World Vision Japan: Ms. Michiko YOKOYAMA】
I would like to learn about approach to TICAD precisely. I would appreciate if you could listen to my observation as a member of the World Vision Japan reflecting the point of view on the spot. It is often said, “For vibrant Africa …” but what kind of strategy and policy does the government have in order to make utilise the budget and approach.
Further, how does the government think of NGO as partner to assist African development? Let me introduce how the NGO follow the local need and make the strategy reflecting the needs of the spot.
The World Vision Japan has started a project for returning refugees and internally displaced people in Southern Sudan in August 2006. In Southern Sudan, a Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in January 2005 which meant the end of the civil war which had continued over 21years. Concerning the increase of international aid, the Japanese government was interested in Southern Sudan in the early moment and had provided financial assistances. However most of them were multilateral aid through the UN .In fact, we had to start our work under the flame work of UN dealing with unstable Sudanese government.
The World Vision Japan was helping the refugees of Sudan at Kakuma camp in Kenya. We looked for what we can do as a NGO who assists Japanese peace settlement effort by enabling the return of refugees. Therefore, in cooperation of the Japan Platform, and with several NGOs, we announced a mission statement on how we can assist in Southern Sudan. Precisely, the mission was on the needs of encouragement of return, the preparation for returned refugees, the securing efficiency of the process of return, the consolidation of infrastructure where the refugees have returned, and the support to communities with which refugee reintegrates etc.. We aimed to make a wide model of emergency and development support. As a result, WVJ started projects in safe water supply and sanitation. During the operations, we emphasised good relationship with the stakeholder, WFP, other UN organisations, and local administration (state, group government) and operated the regional project in which the citizen could take part in. This participatory approach was intended to protect the ownership of the beneficiaries and not as a simple service delivery. I felt the importance of the grass roots support in terms of 5 million people being involved in the civil war by the end of the year and making up model from emergency to reconstruction development in an unsettled society right after war.
I am doubtful why NGO was not invited in the negotiation for TICAD in relation with MoFA and other international bodies. I believe that grass-roots point of view is needed in order to construct a good strategy. I am sure that NGO is the most knowledgeable of the need of the spot. After all, the ultimate implementer of multilateral fund is NGO. I think that the UN is aware of such importance. NGO takes a great part by using the press so as to gather public interest. In order to present clear and meaningful budget management of African states, NGO, having broad partnership them is a useful tool. Therefore in Africa, a flash appeal of the UN organisation and the UN has already been announced this year. By the way, in Southern Africa, mainly in three countries of Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and Lesotho, millions of people are suffering from emergency of food shortage and it is said that 42.2% of the people are having HIV/AIDS.
The empowerment of the community is essential when thinking the emergency aid in the long term. The resources from the spot would be needed in order to set up a project. Emergency humanitarian assistance can lead to long-term community development with the combination of various projects, such as aid programme leading Slow on Set and development
In TICAD, the Japanese government has shown active commitment to the African government. I also think that it is playing an important role to be reflected in concrete projects.
I have taken this opportunity to introduce how the Japanese NGO can contribute to a policy and what kind of strategy we are thinking of.

【MoFA: Mr. Shigeyuki HIROKI, International Cooperation Bureau Counselor】
I am aware that the NGO is a very important partner. We would like to make a flow of fund to the NGO via UN organisations. We would like to take into account the voice of NGO and support those who are in need of it. We would like to hear from the people who work on the spot in this kind of session.

【Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Masahisa KAWABATA】
The negotiation between the government and the antigovernment force had been held twice in the past in Libya and Tanzania over the problem of Darfur. So far the representative of the Japanese government has not yet participated in the negotiation but will it participate in the third negotiation?

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director General for African Affairs】
The negotiation is settled by AU and the UN. It is centred for the participants of the war so that is why Japan did not participate in the past. We are paying attention whether the antigovernment force that did not participate in the last two negotiations, will participate in the third negotiation or not. We have taken part in “the End of the Darfur Conference in Paris” last June and we have greatly shown our presence. In October, Mr. Onodera, vice president, is planning to take part in it.

【Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Masahisa KAWABATA】
Since it was my own question, it went off the topic. The idea came from the doubt, why Japan is kicked off from this international negotiation.

【Results Japan: Ms. Noriko SHIRASU】
I hope that the observations of people (from the civil society side) who have been concerned in this topic over years, will be brought into.

【MoFA: Mr. Shigeyuki HIROKI, International Cooperation Bureau Counselor】
I hear that we take into consideration the voice of NGO not only at this session but also on the spot.

【Yamamoto School, Observer】
I study at the Ritsumeikan Center for Asia Pacific Studies. Today I came from Yamamoto School. Why does not Japan set up a research center on “Africa and Japan” in Japan? Why not support it and do the research on the project there?

【Chairperson: Prof.Dr. Masahisa KAWABATA】
I agree with you for a need of a public sector that supports cultural exchange between Japan and Africa

(6)The relationship between APF,G8,and TICAD
【MoFA: H.E.Mr.Shuichiro MEGATA, Director General for African Affairs】
Japan is planning many events as the chairman of the G8 economic summit in 2008. One of them is the development ministry conference. Furthermore, one of the two annual forum of APF (African Partnership Forum) is to be held by the host country. We are planning these two events in next April.
APF is aimed to deepen the discussion on Africa towards the summit. On the other hand, the G8 development ministry conference is aimed to cover development in general, but will certainly relate to Africa It is important to have an efficient coordination with TICAD IV held at the end of May and G8 summit held in July. We would like to be mindful of it.
As for the G8 summit itself, in MoFA, the economic bureau is in charge, the international cooperation bureau is in charge for G8 development ministry conference, and the African affair organisation is in charge of APF. We would like to have a good coordination in MoFA as well.

【Don't let it be - World Poverty: Mr. Akihiro TAKAGI】
I took part in the conference with the OECD/DAC in August 3. I would like to proposed that they will welcome the participation of civil society into APF in the beginning of April. We are kindly asking MoFA to positively consider the issue of NGO’s participation.
Taking the case of Germany into the account, the German government paid their entire participation fee. Is the fee included in the Japan’s budget for next year?
I believe in the importance of efficient coordination. I am aware that the process of TICAD and APF are totally different. However, civil society can play an important role on the coordination of support. If you want to succeed in TICAD IV, you have to think of the maximum strategic usage of APF.

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director General for African Affairs】
Japan is examining how to manage APF from now since it has never managed the forum before. We will learn from the APF Algeria meeting which was held this November. APF itself is a high level negotiating place for main African countries, G8, main donors from OECD, NEPAD secretary of Africa, and four chairman countries of AU to discuss strategies of development and important issues. We have a clear agreement for the membership from the TR. In Berlin, the representative of the NGO had a chance to address. Including such fact, we would like to think of our way of managing APF.
We will link the effort of TICAD to G8. APF is a place for an input of G8. So it is certain that they should have a close coordination. Yet, it is not yet the time to discuss about concrete contents.

(7)Closing
【TICAD Civil Society Forum: Prof. Minoru OBAYASHI, President】
Unfortunately this session has not been based on “partner ship”. It is not a session in which we all work together. It has become session in which the NGO asks for recognition in taking part in it. We have to think of a good solution to it. I understood that the idea of MoFA is wanting in cooperation with civil society.
We should give some ideas unofficially. It is possible to do it with African NGO and with the people on the spot. There is an example of EITI. We can adapt it to the environment. NGO has many ideas. Such discussion as to clear away the limits is welcomed. I am not demanding MoFA for the commitment but it is worth to do it. I am looking forward to discussing this topic.
We should not end up in the same way for the next session. Rather than formality, we should think of the process of what we can actually take into action and take note what we can not.

【MoFA: H.E.Mr. Shuichiro MEGATA, Director General for African Affairs】
We would like to have partnership as well. That is to say, not only exchange between demands and replies. We should take more advantage of this opportunity. We will concern the problem of the procedure. It is appreciated to have some suggestions resumed on the important issues of TICAD.
We are welcomed to have ideas of concrete initiative and ways of collaboration from NGO. However we should pay attention that the main goal is not to have just collaboration, but to have contribution to the African development.

【MoFA: Mr. Shigeo MATSUTOMI, Deputy Director General for Sub-Saharan African Affairs】
I felt that the feedback of the spot is important while having a dialogue with the NGO and the civil society. We should think of the correspondence toward the emerging donor countries to Africa in general. What kind of role can China play in Africa? I appreciate constructive plans from the experience of the spot.

【Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Masahisa KAWABATA】
The Japanese government can take more initiative in such an international forum as TICAD. The cooperation with China is appreciated, but Japan itself should appeal more. My opinion is to cooperate with the civil society without a pledged international relationship.
At last, the Japanese industry’s aid in private sectors was mentioned. Are there any regular session held on industry in relation with African economical aid? I think the advancement of Japanese industries in Africa is still very weak. It would be fruitful if they cooperate with civil society. However I suggest it to be dealt with more comprehensive way.
Concerning the representative committees, I would like to leave it to a business like level since there are suggestions of such a partnership.
I would like to close the third MoFA NGO regular meeting. Thank you very much.