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1st Day of the 4th Tokyo International Conference
on African Development (TICAD IV)
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TICAD, which is held once every five years in Japan, is an opportunity to further accelerate forward-looking political and economic changes that have arisen in Africa in recent years. Under the banner of "Towards a Vibrant Africa," the international community's concrete measures for African development will be announced at TICAD IV. At the opening session, Prime Minister Fukuda delivered an address as the Chair of TICAD IV, in which he said, "New African history that we will create together will be a history of growth. Peace and security are fundamentals for bringing about growth. Upon this basis, it is necessary to have private investment. The time has come for the countries of Africa to adopt as their own a model that led to success in post-war Japan and many other Asian countries. That is to say, investment makes the economy grow, providing the momentum for further new investment, and thus encourages self-sustaining growth. Here at this juncture, Japan wants to walk alongside the African people, shoulder to shoulder. "Japan wishes to work together with Africa in writing a great narrative of growth. In order to do that Japan hopes to share its insights and experiences to resolve issues such as health and sanitation and to encourage growth in Africa. As a matter of course, both growth and development can be realized only through peace and security. Japan, as a 'Peace Fostering Nation,' intends to focus more on the consolidation of peace and peacebuilding in Africa. Japan will also pursue the reform of the United Nations Security Council so that the UN can carry out its role more effectively in the maintenance of peace in the international community, including in Africa." In his address, the Prime Minister also spoke about the acceleration of growth, the consolidation of peace, the establishment of human security including the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and measures to address environmental and climate change issues. Afterwards, Prime Minister Fukuda hosted a lunch for national leaders and others participating in TICAD IV at a hotel in Yokohama City. In the afternoon, Prime Minister Fukuda visited the TICAD IV African Fair 2008, an event showcasing domestic products of African countries and introducing investment and tourism information. Together with Mr. Marc Ravalomanana, President of the Republic of Madagascar, and others, the Prime Minister inspected the booths of each nation. In the evening, Prime Minister Fukuda held the 1st Awarding Ceremony of Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize and a dinner commemorating the event. The Prime Minister conferred the Prize to Dr. Brian Greenwood from the United Kingdom for his achievement in the research of infectious diseases, among other areas of study, and Dr. Miriam K. Were from Kenya for her outstanding efforts to improve the health and welfare of people in Africa. In addition, the Prime Minister had separate meetings with 14 African leaders and exchanged opinions with them.
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