The Sasakawa Peace Foundation carries out a range of programs aimed at promoting international understanding, exchange and cooperation. By pursuing work in these areas, the SPF attempts to do its part in enhancing the welfare of humankind and fostering a healthy international society, while ultimately contributing to the furtherance of world peace.
The foundation's projects are divided into two groups: regular projects and special funds. Grant making for its regular projects is focused under three themes: 1) Toward the Coexistence of Pluralistic Values; 2) Fostering Human Security and Private Nonprofit Activities and; 3) Japan and Asia in the World.
Its special funds are region-specific, and each develops its own programs, as follows:
- The Sasakawa Pacific Island Nations Fund promotes mutual understanding and cooperation among the island nations of the Pacific. Specifically, it promotes exchange between the peoples of Japan and other Pacific island nations and builds links between government bodies, NGOs and other organizations interested in strengthening the region's harmony and in enhancing the quality of life in our island societies.
- The Sasakawa Central Europe Fund develops mutual understanding between Japan and several Central European countries: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. It supports and collaborates with other international foundations to facilitate the social transition the region is facing. It promotes education, supports the non-profit sector and cultivates policy expertise.
- The Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund strengthens friendly relations between Japan and China through exchange, personnel training, and research projects aimed at introducing a market economy to China.
- The Sasakawa Pan-Asia Fund helps stabilize the current rapid social change in Asia by providing assistance in education, agriculture, policymaking and networking.
