Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held the third meeting of the Council on National Strategy and Policy for 2012 at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussion took place on the fostering of the next generation and the formation of a society in which each individual can thrive.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said, "The fostering of human resources is the key to the growth of this country. I received a number of proactive proposals today from the private-sector members. I would like to promote the government's initiatives in line with these proposals. On that basis, I would like to give instructions on four issues.
First, the strategic fostering of the next generation is essential above all. Based on the discussion today, the reform of the educational system should be aggressively approached in light of the changes in the social structure. I would like to receive a report from Minister Hirano on the policy for initiatives at the Council on National Strategy and Policy that will be held in May.
Second, active roles of women are essential in order to secure a large middle class. Initiatives such as the visualization of the promotion of women must be strengthened. A council on the promotion of women will be established by relevant Cabinet members with Minister Nakagawa and Minister Furukawa taking the lead. I would like for the council to identify important issues by June and formulate a roadmap within this year.
Third, in order for Japan to continue its growth as the "world's center for producing human resources," I would like a specific roadmap for the fostering and improvement of human resources engaged in innovative technological development, such as the formulation of bases having the most advanced R&D platform, to be clarified by around June with Minister Furukawa taking the lead.
Fourth, self-reliance support is important for preventing the chain of isolation and poverty, in addition to maintaining the vitality of society. I would like the framework of the Livelihood Support Policy, including the reinforcement of self-reliance support and the revision of the living support allowance from the people's perspective, to be reported at the Council on National Strategy and Policy that will be held in May, and compile a mid-term report by the end of June, with Minister Komiyama taking the lead.
In addition, deflation is a major challenge that Japan has been facing for more than ten years. In order to systematically establish economic policy for overcoming deflation and rejuvenating the economy, and to review the economic circumstances such as commodity prices, I would like to hold a new conference with Minister Furukawa taking the lead."