The International Order and Japan’s Role in the COVID and Post-COVID Era

Working in collaboration with the Tokyo University Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), JCIE conducted a one-year research project on global health governance, focusing on the theme of “The International Order and Japan’s Role in the COVID and Post-COVID Era.” The objective of the study group was to provide analyses on global and regional health governance systems and structures and to offer concrete recommendations about the role Japan should play in the field of global health.

In recent years, Japan has built a strong track record in facilitating international cooperation and leading international debates on global health. For example, based on the country’s own experience in introducing a universal health insurance system even prior to achieving economic growth, it has become a leading proponent of mainstreaming universal health coverage (UHC) and has put forward policy ideas incorporating UHC and the establishment of infectious disease emergency response systems.

However, the global spread of COVID-19 has called into question the superiority of Japan’s own systems, institutions, and technologies, which had served as the basis for Japan’s commitment to global health. In order for Japan to continue to exercise leadership in global health as a nation that promotes “human security” as one of the main pillars of its foreign policy, Japan must create a virtuous cycle between securing the health of its own citizens through health security and promoting global security based on the principles of international cooperation. Health security must be achieved through systemic reform and capacity building in Japan (including in areas of R&D), while global security should be pursued through collaboration with the G7, G20, international organizations, and civil society organizations (CSOs). 

In addition to providing analyses on global and regional health governance systems and structures, which are undergoing significant changes, this project examined specific themes to offer concrete recommendations about the role Japan should play in the field of global health—an issue that has become ever more tied to national security. In particular, the project explored the policy direction that Japan should present to the external audience as it prepared for the 2023 G7 Summit, which was hosted by Japan, and for the review of the progress made on the UHC Political Declaration on UHC, which was agreed upon at the 2019 UHC High-Level Meeting on UHC, and for which Japan has been one of the leading countries. By disseminating these recommendations to audiences in and outside of Japan through various media, the project aims to spark discussions on Japan’s role in the global health field. 

The study group received input from senior advisors and produced policy papers and policy briefs that are available in English and Japanese.