日本語で読む

As African development issues are gaining new attention from the international community and the halfway point has passed for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), encouraging news about African economic growth in many countries on the continent continues, and the fourth TICAD comes at an opportune moment for Japan, the host country, and for the greater African community.

TICAD Origins

As part of efforts to reduce poverty and to bring growth to Africa, Japan proposed the establishment of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) as a forum for high-level policy dialogue. The first TICAD was held in 1993. The conferences have stressed the importance of an evolution of African “ownership” and a broadening partnership with the international community. Japan hosts the summit-level conferences every five years, and the fourth conference, TICAD IV, will be held in Yokohama May 28-30, 2008. It is co-organized by the United Nations (UNDP, OSAA), the World Bank, and other agencies.

TICAD IV Theme and the Role of Japan

The official theme for TICAD IV is “Towards a Vibrant Africa: Continent of Hope and Opportunity.” The four core areas of focus during the conference, which is expected to be attended by over 40 African heads of state and key figures in the international development community, are: boosting economic growth, ensuring human security (along with achieving the Millennium Development Goals and consolidating peace in Africa), and addressing environmental and climate change issues.

Key outputs from the conference include the Yokohama Declaration, an official endorsement of progress being made in Africa and acknowledgment of the growing partnership between African nations and developed nations toward major goals, and the TICAD follow-up mechanism. In addition to assistance for human security through economic growth, health, and education, climate change will also be a focus of assistance to Africa. It is also expected that Japan’s experience with promoting infrastructure development in Asian countries can be put to very good use in Africa.

*** Be sure to check our Japanese site for updated information and reports from TICAD IV in Yokohama!

Related Stories