Tokyo, February 25, 2021 - Rakuten, Inc. and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today signed a comprehensive collaboration agreement aimed at solving development challenges faced by developing countries and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through international cooperation.
With this agreement, JICA and Rakuten will collaborate on the following initiatives, drawing from each organization’s institutional knowledge and human resources, as well as IT and other technological expertise.
Highlights of the comprehensive collaboration agreement
(1) Innovation: Initiatives related to the promotion of innovation that contribute to solving developmental challenges faced by developing countries using IT and other technologies.
Examples: Rakuten will provide IT and business-related mentorship to startup companies in JICA-supported developing countries.
(2) Sustainable lifestyle: Initiatives related to facilitating understanding of the SDGs and modifying attitudes and actions through appeals for sustainable consumption and lifestyle choices.
Examples: Providing information about local businesses in developing countries supported by JICA and the products they offer through Earth Mall with Rakuten, an e-commerce and online media platform within Rakuten Ichiba that focuses on the sale of products that have gained internationally-recognized sustainability certification, in an effort to increase the sales of products from developing countries.
(3) Partnership: Initiatives relating to the pursuit and acquisition of new international collaborations through cooperation with various stakeholders, and forming new partnership.
Examples: Welcoming JICA-supported international students into Rakuten on internships, and discussing the creation of a platform devoted to encouraging the formation of partnerships between JICA’s Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) and Japanese businesses and individuals.
(4) Initiatives agreed upon by JICA and Rakuten in addition to those stated above.
With its mission to provide security and meaningful growth for all people, JICA is working to address developmental challenges at its branches around the world, implementing projects custom-designed for each location. Similarly, Rakuten strives to realize a sustainable society and achieve the SDGs as part of its mission to empower people and society through innovation, in support of its vision as a global innovation company.
Through this comprehensive cooperation agreement, JICA and Rakuten will create opportunities for development in various countries and regions around the world by cooperating together under the themes of innovation, sustainable lifestyle and partnership, while bringing in an even greater number of stakeholders.
About Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
As an incorporated administrative agency responsible for administering Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), JICA coordinates international cooperation in approximately 150 countries and regions around the world. Guided by its vision of leading the world with trust, JICA strives for the realization of personal security for humanity and sound development. With 96 international branches and 14 branches in Japan, JICA is developing projects that address economic challenges faced by developing countries. For more information, visit https://www.jica.go.jp/english/index.html.
About Rakuten, Inc.
Rakuten, Inc. (TSE: 4755) is a global leader in internet services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications to approximately 1.4 billion members around the world. The Rakuten Group has over 20,000 employees, and operations in 30 countries and regions. For more information visit https://global.rakuten.com/corp/.