The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Seiko Epson Corporation signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement aimed at assisting developing nations solve societal issues and achieve the SDGs.
With its vision of “leading the world with trust,” JICA operates multiple projects aimed at achieving human security and high quality development, and has networks and knowledge based on trust accumulated in developing nations.
Epson said it aims to provide surprise and delight to people throughout the world with original technologies including in printing and projection. Epson plans to undertake various initiatives in the environment, co-creation and DX to provide solutions that create connections worldwide.
By combining JICA’s networks in developing nations with Epson’s printing and projection technologies, the two organisations will aim to accelerate solutions to issues in these nations and achieve collaboration and cooperation in the following areas.
(1) Demonstration activities aimed at achieving the SDGs
By leveraging Epson’s printing and projection technologies in developing nations supported by JICA, the two organisations will aim to 1. Improve the quality of education, 2. Improve the working environment, and 3. Reduce the environmental burden.
(2) Promoting innovation to contribute to solving issues in education
By promoting ICT education innovation and introducing digital technologies to connect an increasingly decentralised society, we aim to solve issues caused by a lack of educators, teaching materials and education infrastructure, and by deficiencies in education services. The first project we undertake will involve using small battery-operated projectors to effectively promote education, health, hygiene and the environment in regions off the electricity grid.
(3) Human Resource Development in Developing Nations
Epson will provide internship opportunities to long-term trainees accepted by JICA. The company’s employees will also provide ICT technical support to educational institutions in developing nations supported by JICA.
(4) Promoting understanding of the SDGs in Nagano, Japan
We will promote understanding of the SDGs in Nagano, Japan, by holding joint JICA-Epson conferences and through exchanges between long-term JICA trainees and local society.
