Thursday, June 21st, 2007

First GDLN AP General Meeting

Affiliates and Partners Discuss Future of Network and Deepening Collaboration

The first GDLN Asia Pacific General Meeting hosted by the TDLC was held June 19 - 21, 2007 for intensive discussions on the future of the network and deepening collaboration among partners. The meeting provided an opportunity for members to measure progress, assess current needs, confirm future direction, and lay the foundations for increasingly reciprocal relationships that will support further growth.

Marking another first for the Association, representatives from South Asia attended the Meeting to expand collaboration across Asia. In addition to GDLN centers in Beijing, Mongolia and Indonesia, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire were also connected to tune into the discussion.

Featured as keynote speaker was Founder and CEO of management consultancy Quantum Leaps Mr. Nobuyuki Idei, former CEO of Sony Corporation. Mr.Idei set the scene for the meeting, emphasizing the need for innovation and cooperation in Asia. This was followed by a panel discussion on technology and education by University of Southern Queensland (Australia) Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Jim Taylor and other experts.

The Meeting opened with an address from ASEAN Secretary General Ong Keng Yong, connecting from Mongolia via videoconference. Speaking on the potential for greater collaboration between the GDLN AP and ASEAN, Mr. Ong said, “Yes, we can do more. One thing we are working on is the use of technology like your network....we are keen to work with the World Bank to find innovative packages that we can deliver to our citizens.”

Mr. Osamu Yoshida, Deputy Director, Development Institutions Division, International Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Japan, welcomed participants to Tokyo and highlighted the importance that the Government of Japan places on human resource development, as is reflected in Japan being the largest single donor to the GDLN in the region.

Madam Guying Dai, Director General of the Department of Human Resource Development and Regulations, Office of the Leading Groups for Western Region Development, State Council, China, joined from Beijing via videoconference, and invited GDLN AP members to hold its next meeting at the Chongqing distance learning center.

“We are willing to work with all of you to turn the GDLN AP into the most dynamic member of this distance learning network,” said Madam Dai.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Satry Soemantri Brodjonegoro, Director General of Higher Education, Ministry of National Education, Indonesia, also addressed the meeting with a presentation on the expanding network within his country.

The meeting concluded with a session on future governance objectives for the network.

Total participation numbered nearly 130 from Japan and abroad.

For full coverage of the Meeting including video clips of key sessions, see the GDLN AP General Meeting Tokyo 2007 page.