二次世界大戰後，隨著全球事務的複雜化，跨國經濟活動、新科技與網路的發達，加遽了人與人之間的交流與互動，也使得國際間的相互依賴愈來愈加深與頻繁，從而大幅改變國際關係之面貌，致使國與國之間的界線也變得模糊。非政府組織的興起意味著傳統以「國家為國際事務主要成員」的觀點受到質疑與挑戰，當各國治理範疇逐步縮減時，非政府組織卻開始填補了政府在國際活動方面的空缺，在國際社會中快速擴張，因此，在進行國際援助時，若非政府組織與政府之間如能相互協力，應比其中任何一方單打獨鬥更能發揮加倍的援助效果。

研究發現，早期ODA運作模式以政府為主，雙方援助理念不同，互動情形不佳。隨著援助需求和政策的改變，NGO在ODA的互動較為頻繁，在ODA議題上與政府呈現補充關係。由於透過NGO的參與，能夠降低民眾對以政府為主的ODA之質疑，藉以提高ODA的正當性，故NGO在ODA議題所扮演的角色逐漸受到重視。只可惜，受到宏觀國家利益的援助理念之影響，日本NGO在ODA議題上充其量僅能扮演中介者角色，卻難以充分發揮執行者、夥伴者的角色。

After World War II, with the complexity of international affairs, cross border economic activities, new technology and the internet contributed to the increase of human interaction. This also increases the interdependence between countries, as well as the changes in international relationships made the borders among countries more and more vague. The rise of Non- Government Organizations (NGOs) indicated that the concept of “nations as the main player in international affairs” is being challenged. NGOs gradually took over government roles in international affairs as nations faded away in international governance. Therefore, international assistance programs work best when the government and NGOs work in partnerships. This would double the effectiveness as opposed to either one party working alone.

Studies have found that, early ODA (official development assistance) model centers around the government, the concept of assistance is different, and the interaction is not ideal. With the need of assistance and policy changes, NGO is frequently more involved in the ODA, as well as is complementary with the government on ODA issues. NGO participation in ODA will reduce public doubt on government role and raise the legitimacy of ODA. Therefore, the role of NGO in ODA has a rising importance. However, due to macro national interest, Japanese NGO is only able to play an intermediary role, instead of an executive and/or partnership role.