A deepening partnership between the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Japan International cooperation agency (JICA) in the fields of disaster prevention, climate change adaptation, and gender mainstreaming

During the meeting, AFD and JICA confirmed the promotion of cooperation that leverages the strengths of both parties mainly in the fields of disaster prevention and climate change adaptation in Asia, and gender mainstreaming in Africa.

On the context of the support to gender awareness and equality, AFD has long been mainstreaming gender into their projects. Both sides confirmed their intention to work closely at the field level through JICA's technical cooperation project on improving the status of female police officers in Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa. In addition, the action aims at enhancing the gender dimension by strengthening the status and capacities of female police officers to provide relief and protection to victims of violence, particularly those affected by gender-based violence with perspectives on promoting collaboration in WPS (Women, Peace and Security).

In the area of disaster prevention and climate change adaptation, Director from JICA spoke at the SUFIP – Sustainable Finance in the Indo-Pacific co-hosted by AFD and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) held on June 24 and 25 in Bangkok, Thailand, which focused on climate and nature resilience, following the outcome of the annual consultation held earlier. In the event, JICA highlighted the importance of minimizing pre-disaster risks, thereby reducing post-disaster costs. Disaster Risk Reduction is one of JICA's Global Agenda (JICA’s 20 Strategies for Global Development). Additionally, JICA presented how to create and implement a master plan based on evidence, and shared the principle of preparedness.

JICA and AFD will continue to promote further partnerships and effective cooperation in the development of the Indo-Pacific region and Africa.