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On December 2, DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi received a courtesy call from UNDP Administrator Helen Clarke inside the Diet building, and exchanged opinions on a variety of issues. The meeting was also attended by Administration Committee Chair Naoki Tanaka and International Department Director-General Koichiro Watanabe for the DPJ.
At the start of the meeting, Koshiishi welcomed Clarke, and having expressed his appreciation for the assistance received from the international community, including international organizations in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, said, “As the first woman to serve both as Prime Minister of New Zealand, and now as UNDP Administrator, you give courage and light to women around the world.”
Clarke said, “Thank you for making time to see us in what is always a hectic political schedule here in Japan. It says a lot about the wonderful partnership between Japan and the UNDP that so many leaders make time to meet with the UNDP Administrator…I was very encouraged when Prime Minister Noda came to the UN General Assembly in September and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to aid and development.” She added that
Japan’s emphasis on the concepts of human security, and sustainable development living in harmony with nature was very close to the UNDP’s own goals, and stressed her intention of strengthening the partnership with Japan with regard to such issues as attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015, the creation of a development agenda post-2015, and proposals regarding disaster reduction.
Koshiishi said, “Japan needs to continue to make contributions in the three areas of peace, human rights and the environment. The issue of the ODA budget can be cited in relation to the provision of assistance to developing nations. We are currently in the process of compiling the budget, and I would like to endeavour to raise this matter with the Prime Minister.” Koshiishi once more paid his respects to Clarke, quoting a speech by former German President Richard von Weizsäcker, in which von Weizsäcker made a comment to the effect: “When women rise up, the history of the world will change”.
In response, Clarke said, “The empowerment of women plays a crucial part in driving development. The prosperity of developing countries will lead to prosperity in developed countries.” She expressed her appreciation for Japan’s cooperation and called for further support for UNDP activities.
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