This week’s news about JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency). The autumn recruitment for overseas volunteers began, and there were reports on local staff in Afghanistan and the signing of new financial cooperation agreements.
SOS from Afghanistan: “Thrown away with a single piece of paper.” Why were JICA local staff suddenly dismissed? Fear of persecution under the Taliban… the refugees created by “international cooperation”
From the editors: This article takes up the termination of JICA local staff who had worked in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The safety and treatment of local staff who have supported international cooperation is a weighty issue for every organization involved in aid.
Autumn recruitment for overseas volunteers begins: JICA holds an information session in Tokushima City [Tokushima] (posted September 23, 2026) | JRT NEWS NNN
From the editors: The autumn recruitment for JICA overseas volunteers has begun, and information sessions are being held in various places. If you are interested in international cooperation, why not take this opportunity to drop in on a local session?
Signing of a grant aid agreement for Papua New Guinea: contributing to stronger logistics infrastructure through landslide countermeasures on the Kokopo–Rabaul trunk road | News & Public Relations
From the editors: This is an agreement for grant aid to strengthen the foundation of logistics through landslide countermeasures. As disasters increase with climate change, strengthening infrastructure is also support that protects local people’s lives.
Signing of a loan agreement for the Republic of India’s “Affordable Housing Promotion Project for Low-Income Women” (overseas investment and loans): contributing to inclusive growth through support for women’s home ownership | News & Public Relations
From the editors: This is the signing of a financing project to help low-income women acquire housing. It also draws attention from a gender perspective as an initiative that supports women’s economic independence.
Nepal photo exhibition: Trust and co-creation built by JICA overseas volunteers over more than half a century will lead to the future of Japan and Nepal
From the editors: This is a photo exhibition introducing the history of volunteers in Nepal over more than half a century. It tells us that relationships of trust built over a long time are the foundation of international cooperation.
JICA conducts training to improve science and mathematics education in Africa
From the editors: The article reports on training aimed at improving science and mathematics education in Africa. Developing people in the education sector takes time before results become visible, but it is cooperation expected to have long-lasting effects.
Safely back at Narita Airport after a typhoon cancellation: the front line of international cooperation as seen on site 《JICA Kyrgyzstan Diary, Day 10 (Final Day)》 Shimotsuke Shimbun reporter dispatch diary
From the editors: This is the final installment of a series in which a local newspaper reporter covered JICA’s activities in Kyrgyzstan. Efforts by regional media to convey the front lines of international cooperation are valuable for broadening interest close to home.
■ Tomorrow: International Peace Symposium at JICA in Urasoe
From the editors: This is an announcement of an international peace symposium to be held at the JICA center in Urasoe, Okinawa. JICA centers around the country also serve as familiar entry points where citizens can come into contact with international cooperation.
Headlines belong to the respective news outlets and sources (copyright remains with each). Please read the full articles at the linked pages. The “From the editors” comments were written by the NGO Network Japan editorial team based on the headlines.