GDLN Asia Pacific News

Announcing “GDLN Asia Pacific” – the New Association of Asia Pacific Global Development Learning Net

Innovative Regional Initiatives are Underway for Greater Development Impact

December 2006

Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) Centers in the Asia Pacific region have inaugurated a new association, GDLN AP, to provide a unified approach to better coordinate regional programs and services.

Since the inception of the World Bank GDLN, a partnership of affiliate distance learning centers (DLCs) that use videoconferencing and other technologies to serve the development community, the Asia Pacific region has been particularly active and effective in working through partnerships to facilitate knowledge sharing activities.

After careful deliberation through numerous regional business meetings, it was agreed that the time was ripe to create a new association that would strengthen the network, and adequately support dynamic knowledge initiatives with a clear governance framework, commitment to service standards and an organizational structure. Thus, the GDLN AP was born. The new association will have the capacity to develop collaborative, high-value regional programs, enhancing the development effectiveness of the network and ensuring its financial stability. The association will also provide technical support and training to continue improving standards among all members.

A distinguished feature of the GDLN AP is the richness of its many partnerships. The GDLN serves as a catalyst to bring together a broad spectrum of partners and donors, helping to build platforms for cross-sector, community outreach programs. The GDLN facilitates reach into regional and global institutions such as ASEAN, APEC and United Nations agencies, and allows development partners to expand their capacity building efforts in education, healthcare and other vital fields.

The ongoing inter-regional distance learning seminars on Avian and Human Influenza (AHI) exemplifies the value of the GDLN. AHI preparedness is an issue that knows no borders, with time being a crucial factor. The seminars provide a forum in which practitioners and stakeholders can share lessons, experiences and existing practices on a regular basis, as well as an opportunity for useful collective thinking in areas where practice is still emerging.

The Dengue training program is another GDLN Asia Pacific program created in answer to local demand. It is a blended learning package developed over the past year through intensive discussions between the providers of the course, the Australian National University DLC managers, and Ministries of Health and donor communities throughout the region. The GDLN will provide the prime platform for interaction between trainers and participants.

Of course, the World Bank will remain a key partner. The GDLN will serve the Bank by implementing regional knowledge-based initiatives and partnership programs with developing country partners and donors. This year, joint initiatives included the dissemination of the Bank’s regional flagship studies and major publications, including the Annual Economic Update and World Development Report.

The new GDLN AP Secretariat will be hosted in Bangkok, by the generosity of the Chulalongkorn University-Thailand Center of Academic Resources DLC. Chulalongkorn University is a founding member of DLC s in the region, and lends its prestige to the significance of the new organization. In terms of organizational structure, a Management Committee will be set up comprised of representatives of Thailand, China, Australia, Japan and the World Bank. The GDLN AP will also recruit a Business Development Manager.

The TDLC website will be the focal point for news and information on GDLN AP, including its Regional Program Catalogue. This catalogue will provide up-to-date information on new Asia Pacific regional programs currently under development, enabling all DLCs, donors and stakeholders to share information and decide how they can participate.

We are confident that the GDLN AP is well on its way to increase development impact in the region and beyond. Please look forward to more dynamic initiatives commensurate with the demands of a truly diverse and vibrant region.