Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERMENT POLICICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1994 > PART II Chapter 10 Section 1

The disintegration of the Soviet Union and the end of the cold war were expected to bring peace and stability to the world. In actuality, however, there have been numerous outbreaks of economic friction and ethnic conflicts. The international environment surrounding Japan is harsh. If countries and ethnic groups are to achieve harmony and development, it is vital that we work continuously to build relationships of trust based on mutual understanding of one another's histories, cultures, customs, and values. Japan must make an active international contribution in keeping with its international status.

The development of international relationships of trust is vital to the expansion of international understanding and the establishment of world peace and a stable international community. This must be achieved through systematic, sustained, and active promotion of international exchange and cooperation in education, culture, and sports. We must also open Japan's doors more widely.

The government has implemented a variety of measures under the Action Program for International Cultural Exchange. In June 1994 the Advisory Group on International Cultural Exchange, a private advisory organ to the Prime Minister, produced a report titled "International Cultural Exchange in a New Era." The entire government is now working to promote international cultural exchange.

In June 1992 the government adopted an Official Development Assistance Charter that gives priority to efforts in developing countries to address environmental problems and other global issues, cooperation leading to the improvement and dissemination of technology, and the development of human resources through research cooperation and other measures. Under this framework Japan is working to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of its ODA.