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Paving a Path for Change: The Impact of JICA International Cooperation Award Winners

On January 21, 2023, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held its second International Cooperation Award ceremony in Tokyo, honoring individuals and organizations making significant contributions to tackling global socio-economic issues. This year, the spotlight was on three notable initiatives: the 280km wheelchair march in Costa Rica advocating for disability rights, a WHO-recommended medical technology saving mothers and children in Japan’s depopulated areas, and a movement towards mainstreaming disability initiated from Okinawa.

A Circular Impact for Future Generations

The common thread among the awardees is the concept of learning and sharing between Japan and the world, where innovative practices developed in one region uplift communities globally. The WHO's endorsement of these initiatives underscores the importance of these advancements, proving they can deliver tangible results internationally. These insights not only enhance health care practices in remote areas but also accelerate Japan’s domestic solutions for societal challenges.

During the ceremony, JICA President Akihiko Tanaka praised the recipient’s efforts to create inclusive societies, stating, “These actions to ensure no one is left behind contribute to the stability and peace of both Japan and the world.” Highlighting the significance of these initiatives, he emphasized that international cooperation is crucial for safeguarding the future of Japan in an increasingly interconnected world.

Recognizing the Awardees

1. Advancing Disability Rights in Costa Rica: Wendy Valantes
Wendy Valantes, a pioneer in disability rights, founded the Morpho Center for Independent Living after witnessing the empowerment of individuals with disabilities in Japan during a JICA training program. Since then, she has been instrumental in passing the ‘Disability Autonomy Law’ in Costa Rica through initiatives like the impactful 280km wheelchair march, which garnered media attention and mobilized public support for disability rights legislation.

Valantes reflected on the importance of this award as recognition of the powers of marginalized groups, stating, “Our fight demonstrates our capacity as citizens to improve society, not just as patients in need of care.” Her advocacy not only repudiated existing guardianship systems but also empowered individuals with disabilities across Latin America to lead independent lives.

2. Transforming Maternal Health: Yoshihiro Hara and Yuko Ogata
Yoshihiro Hara and Yuko Ogata lead the development of the iCTG, a pioneering wireless mobile fetal monitor aimed at supporting pregnant women in remote areas. Their project, endorsed by WHO, seeks to bridge the healthcare gap between developed and developing nations, enabling real-time monitoring of fetal conditions.

Hara noted, “Utilizing technology to address global disparities in maternal health is essential,” while Ogata elaborated on the iCTG’s significance in enabling safe deliveries by leveraging telemedicine across diverse settings, ensuring that every child can enter the world in safety, regardless of location.

3. Promoting Inclusion: Toyo Takamine
Toyo Takamine, through his leadership in Empowerment Okinawa NPO, has pioneered policies to promote inclusion for individuals with disabilities both domestically and internationally. His extensive experience working with JICA saw him apply lessons learned in his own life as a wheelchair user to advocate for systemic reforms in disability rights.

Takamine shared, “I never imagined that my past fears would lead me to be a changemaker.” He highlighted the evolution of inclusive practices worldwide, stressing the need to continue fostering systems where every voice matters in the push for societal transformation.

JICA's Role in Global Development

JICA operates as a vital agency, combining Japan’s technological and financial assistance to tackle challenges in over 150 countries. By recognizing innovative efforts like those of this year’s awardees, JICA reaffirms its commitment to fostering global partnerships that nurture sustainable development and prosperity both in Japan and abroad.

To learn more about JICA and its programs, visit JICA's official website.