A Japan-Korea Cooperation Symposium to promote regional cooperation and foster a stronger collaborative relationship between the two countries was held on January 17th. The symposium provided a good opportunity for shared recognition of the need for regional cooperation and to further foster a stronger relationship, which ultimately may be helpful to furthering future Japan-Korea regional promotion.
Following the March 11, 2011 disaster in Japan, the Government of Japan and the World Bank have been jointly developing a collaborative framework on disaster risk management. The objective of this collaboration is to capture the lessons learnt from the mega-disasters in Japan to be shared with the rest of the world. The three-day event organized during October 5-7, 2011, comprised of a field visit to the Tohoku region, technical meetings (technical discussions on thematic matters), and a launch high-level workshop.
A new pilot learning program introducing the Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) was jointly organized by Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC), World Bank (WB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The program was developed based on the partnership between the WB and JICA and particularly targeted JICA staff members to help them build their understanding of the fundamentals of country-based programming by sharing Bank’s experiences in CAS.
JICA has intended to strengthen its country-based approach for increased development impact and results. A Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) is a customized business plan of the World Bank Group (WBG) at the country level for reviewing and guiding the country-based programs for the next four years and, ultimately, judging the impact of its work.
TDLC’s Deputy Manager, Lucy King introduced TDLC’s activities at Hills Breakfast on July 28th. She shared updated information on programs and other opportunities available from TDLC to 150 audiences.
On February 16, 2011, Mr. James W. Adams, World Bank’s Vice President, East Asia and the Pacific and Dr. Shigeru Itoh, the chairman of the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation and regional partnerships for disaster risk reduction, and to enhance capacity-building and knowledge-sharing in disaster prevention, mitigation and response across East Asia and the Pacific at Tokyo Development Learning Center, the World Bank (TDLC).
As previously reported, the TDLC undertook an independent assessment of its Phase 1 operations (up to June 2010), consisting of case studies and an assessment of our performance, to reflect on our efforts in the past to achieve our goals, and enable us to make better decisions going forward with Phase 2 of our operations. The final version of this assessment report is now available on our project documents page. After examining the Assessment Report that resulted from this effort, we have created a response.
A conceptual description of DLC service (page 14, the Assessment Report)
Eco2 2010 Yokohama, the first international conference on Eco2 Cities, will be held on October 21-22, in Yokohama, Japan. Eco2 Cities is the World Bank’s approach to sustainable and integrated urban development and was launched in 2009 as part of the Bank’s new corporate strategy. Eco2 2010 Yokohama is open to public registration and there is no registration fee.
Please visit World Bank website for more information.
An assessment of the TDLC Project has been conducted in line with completion of its first phase of operations (Phase 1) up to 30 June 2010. An Executive Summary and Terms of Reference (TOR) are now available.
JICA president Ogata, former World Bank president Wolfensohn, and former Japanese Minister of Finance Tanigaki at TDLC opening ceremony, June 2004
This assessment has been conducted and published as means to ensure the accountability of the project to its stakeholders and examine the groundwork of the second phase of operations (Phase 2). It was carried out intensively from March 2010 by two external experts via desk research, a survey, interviews and review of selected case studies to measure key performance indicators and impact.
All documents relating to this assessment are always available on our project documents page.
Japan’s circular economy policies and regional development strategies as ‘Eco-Towns’ were highlighted as part of a GDLN course for western China , 7-9 April, 2010.
Iain Mitchell presents on TDLC’s regional hub service - Giovanni Candelaria / AIM
A regional meeting of the Global Development Learning Network Asia Pacific hosted by Asian Institute of Management (AIM) was held on February 22 to 26 in Manila. TDLC was represented at the Manila gathering by Manager Ryu Fukui, Deputy Manager Lucy King, Program Coordinator Eiko Wataya, and Technical Operations Officer Iain Mitchell as well as Web and Media Developer Bob McDonald who participated from Tokyo via video conference connection.
Disaster in Mumbai, India Photo courtesy of CITYNET
Climate change is happening.
The Asia Pacific has experienced repeated destruction and loss of lives due to climate-induced and hydro-meteorological disasters. To avoid being struck unprepared, appropriate measures need to be taken.
This capacity-building program helps local governments manage current and potential risks,
Committed to its mission to contribute to development and to play a role in the alleviation of poverty, TDLC strives to help disseminate Japanese knowledge and expertise abroad. Offering videoconferencing services, course design and coordination, multimedia and technical hub capabilities, TDLC has been playing a role as a bridge between Japan and developing countries.
From our ongoing programs, here is an introduction on a key partner since 2005, the Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development, or FASID.
On November 19 2009, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) Kansai Research Center held a symposium in Kobe, Japan to discuss reduction of CO2 emission in household sector. The symposium can be viewed by clicking here.
In June 2009, the first “International Forum for Sustainable Asia and the Pacific (ISAP2009)” was held in Hayama, Japan by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
Experts and representatives from businesses, international organizations, governments and NGOs from various parts of the world gathered to discuss issues on sustainable development in the region. To see the ISAP2009 opening session, click here.
To read the current issue or subscribe to the TDLC e-newsletter, please see the subscription page.
An ILO public seminar on the Realization of Decent Work in Africa was held on December 19, 2007 connecting the TDLC with Ghana and Tanzania. Over 70 experts and practitioners gathered in Tokyo and took part in an active Q & A session with panelists.
The “Africa Asia NGO Network Workshop in Tokyo”, sponsored by JICA and organized by the TICAD Civil Society Forum, conducted its closing session on October 26, 2007 via videoconference connecting from the TDLC with 6 African countries to share the results of the 2-day workshop.
Mr. Shigeo Takenaka, Secretary General of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), visited the TDLC on October 2, 2007 to observe the final session of the organization’s course on ISO 22000. The APO, one of the TDLC’s earliest partners, has been working through the TDLC to expand their distance learning training programs.
To read the current issue or subscribe to the TDLC e-newsletter, please see the subscription page.
The 3rd session in the World Bank Group Corporate Social Responsibility Seminar Series concluded on May 23, 2007 with a discussion on BOP case studies at the TDLC.
Young people active in development issues had their voices heard on April 19, 2007 participating in the first session of a GDLN distance learning seminar “An Inter-Regional Knowledge Sharing Series on the 2007 World Development Report (WDR)”
The Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center (OECC)/ Secretariat for the Kyoto Mechanisms Information Platform in Japan and the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Environmental Management Bureau conducted a videoconference connecting Tokyo and Cebu on March 16, 2007 to promote local Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Projects.
Students from Hitotsubashi University School of International and Public Policy joined a worldwide consultation to make actionable recommendations on combating corruption and improving governance. Organized by the World Bank Institute, this event circled the globe in 12 two-hour sessions, bringing together students from leading business and public administration schools.
The Japan Cleft Palate Foundation (JCPF), which supports patients with cleft lip and palate in Asia, held 2 international videoconferences on March 12, 2007 connecting the TDLC with Mongolia and Laos.
With developing countries gaining greater recognition as a potential market, a seminar series under the World Bank Group Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative was launched on March 8, 2007 at the TDLC to promote discussion on new trends for poverty reduction through business development. In attendance were over 150 participants from the public and private sectors, underscoring the significance of CSR in today’s global business environment.
Visit the World Bank Tokyo Office Site to hear panelists speak out on video (in japanese only):
Participants in this year’s Nissan Leadership Program for Innovative Engineers (Nissan LPIE) had an opportunity to present their findings via videoconference on February 24, 2007. The TDLC has been collaborating with the Program to provide GDLN services to organize VC sessions enabling cross-regional discussions between participants and distinguished leaders in business and society.
Schools in China are participating in a new GDLN regional program “Knowledge Community in Project-based Learning” led by the TDLC. In collaboration with the China Development Distance Learning Network (CDDLN), an inaugural videoconference was held on February 2, 2007, connecting 300 primary and junior middle school teachers in Western China with Beijing. Over the school year, teachers will receive training to conduct project-based learning sessions incorporating various information and communication
The new World Bank East Asia Pacific (EAP) Regional Vice President, Mr. Jim Adams toured the TDLC on December 11, 2006, on his first visit to Japan since assuming his position. Mr. Adams arrived via China, the first leg of his trip, highlighting the significance of the 2 countries in the region.
A briefing on the Asia Pacific Water Forum, established in September, and the First Asia Pacific Water Summit scheduled to take place in Oita in December 2007 was conducted for Embassy officials in Tokyo at the TDLC on November 14, 2006.
The new President of the Japan Water Forum (JWF), APWF and Chair of the Summit, former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, called for a “one for all, all for one” approach to resolving water issues.
The World Bank’s second East Asia Update for this year, including a special section on “Investing in the Young”, was released on November 14, 2006 via the GDLN. Speakers at Bank Headquarters in Washington DC connected with regional sites in Dili, Port Moresby, Ulan Bator, Sydney, Beijing, Manila and the TDLC, allowing over 100 participants to join a question and answer session with the authors of the report.
The global launch of a new World Bank report “Facing the Challenges of African Growth: Opportunities, Constraints, and Strategic Directions” took place at the TDLC on November 10, 2006. Defining the four big “I”s needed to achieve growth in Africa – Infrastructure, Investment, Innovation, and Institutional Capacity—the author of the Report, Mr. Benno Ndulu, provided a review of the study before a distinguished panel of Japanese government and development agency officials and an audience of nearly 100.
World Bank Institute Vice President Frannie A. Leautier gave a presentation on “Cities in a Globalizing World: Governance, Performance and Sustainability” at the Korea Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management in Seoul on November 7, 2006. A distinguished audience at the TDLC from organizations such as JBIC, JICA and ADBI joined the seminar via videoconference and participated in a question and answer session.
Dr.Morihiko Hiramatsu, best known as the initiator of the “One Village, One Product (OVOP)” movement, visited the TDLC on October 25,2006 to speak at a distance learning session organized by the APO and GDLN. Ever the salesman, Dr.Hiramatsu came equipped with “village products” such as shochu and shiitake, for which Oita is famous, and gave an enthusiastic lecture on the merits of OVOP.
The Pacific Resource Exchange Center (PREX) held an Alumni Seminar via videoconference for its trainees on September 28, 2006, connecting the TDLC with three sites in China;Beijing, Chongqing and Xinjiang.
With Vietnam fast becoming a success story in poverty reduction, the TDLC is working with its counterpart in Hanoi, the Vietnam Development Information Center (VDIC), to enhance development activities in both the public and private sectors. A new GDLN Center will open in Ho Chi Minh City in December 2006, expected to focus on private sector programs. A new brochure highlighting TDLC and VDIC’s efforts to accelerate cooperation between Vietnam and Japan will be widely distributed.
The Nissan LPIE held its first global videoconference session on September 16, 2006, with World Bank Information Solutions Network Senior Telecommunications Engineer Svetoslav K. Tintchev speaking on “The Role of Engineers in International Organizations”. Kyoto University’s Information Media Center was connected to the TDLC and WB Headquarters in Washington via the GDLN.
The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) conducted a 4-day e-learning program on Green Productivity and ISO 14001 from August 21 to 24, 2006. This first phase was given to member countries Sri Lanka, Nepal, India and Mongolia, connected via the GDLN with speakers from India and the TDLC in Tokyo. The program was repeated from September 4 to 7, 2006 for Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, reaching a total of 8 member countries.
Japanese academics and development practitioners joined World Bank Chief Economist for Africa, Mr. John Page for a Round Table Discussion on Africa at the World Bank Tokyo Office on August 8, 2006. Held to exchange information on on-going research in Africa and explore opportunities for cooperation between academic circles in Japan and the Bank, participants agreed to follow up on discussions in the future.
A World Bank Public Seminar on “Challenges and New Opportunities in Africa” was held on August 7, 2006, connecting the TDLC, Osaka University Nakanoshima Center and South Africa via videoconference. In collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Kankeiren (Kansai Economic Federation), the seminar was organized by the World Bank Group as part of a continuing effort to stimulate private sector interest in Africa.
Next door neighbors can benefit from a good discussion – as was proven at the TDLC on July 19, 2006, when World Bank South Asia Region Vice President Mr. Praful Patel, India Country Director Mr. Fayez Omar and Sri Lanka Country Director Ms. Naoko Ishii gave an overview of their region to an audience in East Asia Pacific. The cross-Asia dialogue was attended by over 100 journalists, students, development agency representatives and others connecting via the GDLN from Sydney, Manila and Singapore to learn about the Bank’s strategy and development issues in South Asia.
The World Bank launched a new series of inter-regional distance learning seminars on Avian and Human Influenza (AHI) on July 12, 2006, with its first session, “The Importance of Integrated Country Programs in the Fight Against Avian and Human Influenza (AHI)”. The series utilizes the GDLN as an effective platform, allowing institutions, governments, technical agencies, donors, NGOs and others around the world to hold regular discussions on topics that are of high priority when dealing with AHI preparedness. More information, including footage of the video discussion, presentations and all resource materials can be accessed on the web at http://www.worldbank.org/avianflu.
“Challenges and Future Perspectives of Water Resources Management: Cases from Middle East/North Africa and Asia”was the theme of a World Bank Public Seminar held on June 27, 2006, allowing Bank experts to present their findings to specialists in the field from government, development agencies, the private sector and NGOs. Organized by the World Bank Tokyo Office and Japan Water Forum, the seminar connected Tokyo, Cairo and Beijing via the GDLN to incorporate various perspectives, including comments from Dr.Mahmoud A. Abu-Zeid, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.
See full story for video of presentations.
In an effort to resolve the human trafficking issue in Asia, about 40 members of NGOs and government officials working in Japan and the Philippines connected via the GDLN on June 22, 2006 for a cross-border dialogue on victim protection and Japan’s role as a destination country. Organized by the Asia Foundation, the event was the first in a series of dialogues scheduled for this year to foster a better understanding of the mechanism of victim protection, repatriation and rehabilitation.
Mainstreaming gender into development activities was the focus of discussions at the first distance seminar for Japan’s ODA Task Force held this fiscal year, on June 21, 2006. Connecting the TDLC with Kenya, Thailand and Pakistan, members of each country’s Task Force, including Japanese Embassy, JICA and JETRO staff, participated to share their experiences and exchanged opinions with speakers in Tokyo. The series is organized by the Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development (FASID).
The winners have just been announced in the inaugural Web for Development Awards, and the TDLC is very pleased to congratulate our colleagues at the Asian Development Bank Institute whose site was awarded honorable mention and a $3,000 prize.
In an event leading up to the G8 Summit to be held in Russia in July, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) from 7 G8 countries participated in an information exchange session via videoconference on June 7, 2006.
The TDLC received President Festus Gontebanye Mogae of the Republic of Botswana on June 7, 2006, on the occasion of the “Meeting on Infrastructure Development for Small Economies through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) - The Case of Botswana”. Jointly hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana and the World Bank Group with support from the United Nations University (UNU), the TDLC connected speakers from Pretoria, Johannesburg and Helsinki in addition to over 50 participants in Tokyo who joined the President for a productive roundtable discussion moderated by Dr. Hans van Ginkel, UNU Rector.
The International Recovery Platform (IRP) held its second Steering Committee meeting at the TDLC on June 1, 2006, connecting International Labour Organization (ILO) Headquarters in Geneva, The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome to Tokyo via videoconference.
The World Bank’s annual 2006 Global Development Finance (GDF) report received special attention at the TDLC on May 31, 2006, as connecting sites Indonesia, Vietnam, Mongolia and Thailand enjoyed a presentation given by the report’s lead author, World Bank Lead Economist in Development Economics Mr.Mansoor Dailami and Manager of the Bank’s Global Trends team, Mr.Hans Timmer.
GDLN centers in Asia and beyond joined over 800 participants assembled in Tokyo for the Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics (ABCDE) held at Mita Conference Hall on May 29 and 30, 2006. Marking the first time that this global event, organized by the World Bank and Japan’s Ministry of Finance, was held in Asia, the TDLC facilitated videoconferencing connections by providing its technical know-how and coordination services on-site to make the event accessible to a diverse audience.
We’d like to know what you think about our infrastructure initiatives, and what we should be doing differently to reduce poverty”, said World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz at the Bank’s “Dialogue with Asian CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) on Lessons Learned on Infrastructure”. Held at the TDLC on May 29, 2006, connecting Hanoi, Bangkok, Canberra and Jakarta, President Wolfowitz and Bank Vice President for Infrastructure Kathy Sierra spoke to civil society members assembled in Tokyo and on-screen, asking them for real-time feedback.
A new global report on child labour launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) was the topic of a videoconference held on May 23, 2006 connecting ILO Headquarters in Geneva and the TDLC. Organized by the ILO Office in Japan, over 20 participants including members of NGOs gathered at the TDLC to listen to new findings and discuss common issues.
“Mobilizing Rural Community and Stakeholders”, a workshop on Community Driven Development (CDD) organized by the World Bank Tokyo Office and JANARD was held at the TDLC on April 21,2006. The third session in the series brought together Japanese NGOs and representatives from the Asia Foundation to exchange views on their experience in community development projects.
The TDLC is pleased to announce that it has become the official collaborator for an innovative new venture: The Nissan Leadership Program for Innovative Engineers (LPIE). Supported by the Nissan Science Foundation, established in 1974 by NISSAN to provide grants for research in the field of natural science, the LPIE is an initiative by 2 of Japan’s most prestigious universities -Tokyo University and Kyoto University -to nurture leaders on a global scale, capable of creating next-generation business models through a profound understanding of science and technology and its relationship to diverse social needs.
The World Bank’s latest East Asia Update was delivered on March 30, 2006 with Mr.Homi Kharas, Chief Economist for East Asia and Pacific speaking via video conference from Sydney. Connected to hear his report were the TDLC as well as sites in Canberra, Singapore and Phnom Penh, where economists, journalists and academics gathered for a lively question and answer session following the report.
Mr. John Hegarty, Manager of Financial Management for Europe and Central Asia at the World Bank spoke on “Institutional Foundations for Sound Finance in Developing Countries: The Importance of Financial Reporting” at a WB Public Seminar held on March 29, 2006. Over 50 participants gathered at the TDLC with Kobe University and Hiroshima University joining the session via videoconference.
Prospects for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in the Philippines became the focus of attention at a videoconference connecting Tokyo and Manila on March 27, 2006. The full spectrum of relevant government and private sector organizations in Japan including the Ministry of Environment, JICA, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) gathered at the TDLC for a rare opportunity to hold an interactive discussion among stakeholders on opportunities for cooperation in the Philippines.
“An International Accounting Seminar on Public Sector Issues” was held by the Japan Institute of Certified Public Accountants (JICPA) on March 24,2006. Organized in conjunction with a meeting of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board held in Tokyo, JICPA incorporated videoconferencing for the first time, connecting 8 countries in Asia. The TDLC provided technical support for the seminar in recognition of the significance of accounting issues for developing countries, and hopes to continue to support such efforts by JICPA as a valuable opportunity for development learning.
The Asian Development Youth Forum, an organization of students based in Tokyo interested in development issues, held its third videoconference on March 24, 2006, facilitating exchanges between student counterparts in Japan and Vietnam.
Mr. John Wilson, the World Bank’s Lead Economist for the Development Research Group, gave a video presentation titled “APEC’s Role in Trade Liberalization” contributing to discussions at an APEC International Symposium on the “Catalytic Role of the APEC Process: Behind the Border, Beyond the Bogor Goals”.
The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) conducted a 3-day seminar on the Toyota Production System (TPS) from March 6-8, 2006. This program is a culmination of cooperative efforts between the APO and the TDLC since 2004 to incorporate GDLN videoconferencing services into its training programs, and is fully funded by the APO. The first of 3 phases, national productivity organizations in Mongolia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam connected via the GDLN. The APO will conduct the same course in May and August with different members participating, resulting in an Asia-wide program spanning 13 countries.
A JICA-Net Workshop “How to Moderate and Present in Videoconference” sponsored by JICA Tokyo International Center was held on March 2, 2006, connecting JICA Tokyo, JICA Headquarters and JICA Okinawa by videoconference. TDLC Instructional Designer Jiping Zhang facilitated the workshop as part of a program sharing effort envisioned in a cooperation agreement between the TDLC and JICA-Net.
The TDLC has issued its second e-newsletter featuring GDLN and JICA-Net Cooperation. The two networks combined forces in November 2004 to create the largest development learning network in the world. The newsletter also brings you highlights from the WB’s Africa mission to Tokyo and other recent events at the TDLC.
The Japanese Cleft Palate Foundation (JCPF), a TDLC partner, will hold a photography exhibit titled “International Medical Cooperation in Asia - Bringing Smiles to Children” in collaboration with the World Bank’s Public Information Center (PIC) from February 13 - 24, 2006. In addition, JCPF will hold a coffee hour on February 17, from 18:30 to 20:00, to discuss the organization’s work. Director Nagato Natsume will give a presentation and Mr.Koichi Omori, Communications Officer, WB Tokyo Office will serve as commentator.
A JICA-Net Seminar sponsored by JICA Tokyo was held on January 30,2006 connecting JICA Tokyo with JICA Headquarters and the TDLC. The seminar, titled “Introducing the Active Learning Method for Better Training Programs - What is the key to learning for personal development?” is part of a program sharing effort between the GDLN and JICA-Net envisioned in the cooperation agreement signed between the two networks in November 2004.
Afghanistan is a country which is prone to disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, sandstorms and floods. But prolonged war has destroyed its capacity for damage control and management. Following the development of a National Disaster Management Plan, a video conference, organized by Kyoto University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Afghanistan’s Department for Disaster Preparedness, and the Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS), was held among experts on January 16, 2006 to discuss the plan connecting the TDLC, Kabul and Delhi.
“New Prospects for Private Sector Development in Africa”, a public seminar organized by the World Bank Group and JETRO Institute of Developing Economies, was held at the TDLC on January 11,2006 with an audience of over 100 from development organizations, academia, government, media and the private sector. In addition to the panel in Tokyo, the JETRO Johannesburg Center was connected via video conference to bring local views into the discussion.
The World Bank Group’s Africa Mission to Japan, led by World Bank Regional
Vice President for Africa Gobind Nankani, and Japanese government officials engaged in high-level policy talks on January 10, 2006 for the first time regarding strategic collaboration in Africa.
“Where can you get the microorganisms to start composting?” “How much time does it take, and isn’t there a risk of diseases?” The International Distance Seminar on Transferring Composting Technology, held on December 14, 2005, connected over 80 participants in Tokyo, Kitakyushu, Jakarta and Bangkok. A lively discussion followed presentations from NGO and community members in Surabaya, Indonesia, where Kitakyushu helped set up a successful composting program. Organized by Kitakyushu and the TDLC, the seminar was designed to introduce composting to participants in Bangkok, which had asked Kitakyushu for assistance in solid waste management.
The TDLC is pleased to announce the launch of bimonthly e-newsletter. The newsletter will feature GDLN business proposals as well as case studies of our partner’s programs that have been developed with the TDLC. You will also be updated with the latest on technical improvements at our Center and enhancements of our services. We can show you the full range of possibilities that the GDLN can offer to change the way you pursue your development agenda and communicate with your beneficiaries.
JICA and the TDLC have been promoting knowledge sharing between Asia and Africa through its delivery of JICA-Net Seminars to Africa. In response to the popularity of the first series, given in October 2005, a second series of 4 lectures will be conducted in December 2005.
President Paul Wolfowitz, on his first visit to Japan as president, held an interactive dialogue with staff from 4 East Asia country offices and guests on October 12 before leaving for China, the next leg of his 2 week trip. Speaking from the Tokyo Development Learning Center, Mr.Wolfowitz connected to Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta and Hanoi via the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) and was observed widely by 9 World Bank offices and GDLN distance learning centers in the East Asia Pacific and South Asia regions.
President Wolfowitz met with JICA President Sadako Ogata on October 12, 2005, to discuss areas where the Bank could collaborate with JICA. Africa was high on the agenda, as Mr. Wolfowitz has given the region priority and JICA is taking the initiative on Asia-Africa Knowledge Creation. The two leaders talked about promoting collaborative activities between the TDLC/GDLN and JICA-Net/JICA.
“There’s no question that one of the most valuable tools for development is giving people information about things that work, and don’t work. Hopefully we can do more with this technology than we’ve been able to do in the past,” said World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz after touring the Tokyo Development Learning Center on October 11, 2005. Mr. Wolfowitz is visiting Japan for the first time as president, his first stop on a two week tour of Asia and Europe.
How can development assistance be carried out incorporating “human security” perspectives to meet Millenium Development Goals? Questions such as this prompted a lively discussion between Bolivia and Tokyo during the first distance seminar for Japan’s ODA task force, held on August 24, 2005. The JICA office in Bolivia and the TDLC were connected, bringing together speakers in Tokyo with participants in Bolivia including Japanese Embassy and JICA staff members. The seminar was organized by the Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development (FASID), which conducts various training programs for Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Asian Development Youth Forum (ADYF) held its second video conference on July 29, 2005, in collaboration with Vietnamese students in Hanoi, connecting the TDLC in Tokyo with the Vietnam Development Information Center in Hanoi.
An international video conference on ‘Inclusion of Children and People in Welfare and Education’ was held by Seisa University on July 7, 2005 via the GDLN. Speakers at the TDLC in Tokyo were connected with the Philippines and 6 Seisa study centers across Japan, bringing together approximately 200 participants with backgrounds in education and welfare.
Mayor Koichi Sueyoshi of Kitakyushu City visited the TDLC on July 8 where he reconfirmed the city’s committment to contributing to solutions for environmental issues through the TDLC.
The Asia Distance Learning Project held its 3rd working level meeting on June 22, 2005, linking 6 major cities including Tokyo, Singapore and Jakarta . The Project chose to utilize video conferencing services provided by the TDLC and JICA-Net for the second consecutive year, in response to positive survey results from last year’s meeting. During the one hour session, the video conference was hailed as an effective tool for consensus building, as well as knowledge-sharing within the Asian network.
The Asian Development Youth Forum is an association of students from universities in Japan focusing on development issues in Vietnam.
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation’s Sector Strategy Development Department co-organized a videoconference with World Bank ESSD and the TDLC on learning from the World Bank’s approach to gender integration of investment projects, particularly infrastructure development.
The Africa Day Symposium, organized by the United Nations University and the African Diplomatic Corps and co-sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications, was held at the United Nations University in Tokyo May 18.
The Tokyo Development Learning Center and Japan International Cooperation Agency have collaborated on two sessions of the JICA Regional Seminar on Tsunami Early Warning System.
The Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association (JATA) and Results Japan hosted a regional symposium at the Tokyo Development Learning Center to mark World Tuberculosis Day on March 24.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) coordinates a joint technical cooperation project with Romania which aims to share Japanese expertise on seismic risk, improve retrofitting techniques for Romanian buildings, advise on revisions to construction regulations and codes, and ultimately contribute to the safety of Romanian citizens against earthquakes.
The Asian Development Bank, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and the World Bank today released their first joint study on the infrastructure challenges facing developing nations in East Asia at a symposium held today at Keidanren Hall in Tokyo.
The Global Information Infrastructure Commission held a conference in Washington D.C. on March 2.
During a recent visit to Tokyo David Dollar, the World Bank’s Country Directory for China and Mongolia delivered a presentation via the GDLN on the investment climate and competitiveness in 23 Chinese cities.
The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction begins tomorrow in Kobe, Japan, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the earthquake that devastated the city ten years ago.
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