This week’s news about international cooperation NGOs and international cooperation itself. There were also familiar topics such as partnerships between companies and NGOs, disaster relief in Japan, and the decline in volunteer applicants.
[World Contraception Day] Sagami Rubber Industries donates 5,184 condoms to international cooperation NGO JOICFP as emergency support to protect the health of young people in Ghana
From the editors: This is a donation of supplies from a company to an international cooperation NGO, timed with World Contraception Day. Sexual and reproductive health is an important field that shapes young people’s futures, and this is a good example of collaboration between a company and an NGO.
Applicants at 30% of peak levels… a struggling Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers program: what is the significance of locally focused cooperation that fosters “trust and affinity toward Japan”?
From the editors: The article reports that applicants to the volunteer program have fallen to 30% of their peak. How to convey the significance of cooperation carried out from the local perspective, and pass it on to the next generation, is a challenge NGOs share as well.
Reiwa 8 Chiba Heavy Rain Relief expanded (donations being accepted)
From the editors: This is an announcement expanding support for a heavy rain disaster in Japan, along with a call for donations. Experience in emergency response gained overseas is also being put to use in disaster areas at home.
Ukrainian humanitarian organization seen as a leading candidate: Nobel Peace Prize forecast by international institute | Nationwide news
From the editors: This is a forecast that a Ukrainian humanitarian organization is seen as a leading candidate for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. The world’s attention is turning to the role of humanitarian organizations that keep working amid conflict.
UN Secretary-General calls for international cooperation on the safe management of AI
From the editors: The article reports that he called for international cooperation toward the safe management of AI. We have reached an era in which the words “international cooperation” are used not only for development assistance but also for rule-making around new technologies.
NGO report: Ostriches in South Africa are being plucked alive for haute couture feathers
From the editors: This article reports on a report by an NGO working on animal welfare. It is an example of how NGO investigations and reports can prompt companies and consumers to rethink their behavior.
Nepal prime minister: “The debris flow is a warning to the world,” calls for international grant aid
From the editors: The article reports that Nepal’s prime minister described the debris-flow disaster as a “warning to the world” and called for international support. The question is how to support countries that are heavily affected by climate change.
AI companies warn of control risks at the UN Security Council: can the US balance the AI development race with international cooperation on serious risks? #ExpertTopic
From the editors: This article explains that AI risks were discussed at the UN Security Council. We also want to watch how the voices of developing countries and civil society are reflected in rule-making for technology.
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.