Hitotsubashi University’s Third Annual Asian Public Policy Program (APPP) Alumni Seminar was held on June 17, 2008 connecting the TDLC with Beijing, Hanoi, Jakarta and Manila. These “virtual” gatherings offer an opportunity for alumni, spread out across the region, to strengthen ties and discuss current public policy issues.
As high and volatile oil prices cast a shadow of uncertainty over the world economy, analysis and information on oil-price dynamics as well as instruments for risk management are in high demand among policymakers.The TDLC and World Bank Institute (WBI), engaging the expertise of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan, collaborated to launch a timely new videoconference seminar “Oil Price Volatility, Economic Impacts and Risk Management in Asia”.
A new blended learning program to train mother and child health care specialists in Mongolia was launched on April 30, 2008. Organized by the TDLC and Kitasato University’s School of Nursing, with the cooperation of the Mongolian Nursing Association, the full day lecture was delivered via GDLN videoconference to a total of 440 participants at 5 sites in Ulaan Bataar and other rural locations.
As part of an ongoing collaborative research project, a videoconference workshop on “Earthquake Risk Perception” was held March 5, 2008 to share the results of a survey conducted in 2007/2008 by the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) on the risk perception of residents, government officials, building contractors and masons.
Researchers from 5 countries connected via the GDLN on January 24, 2008 for the Tokyo International Workshop 2008 on Earthquake Disaster Mitigation for Safer Housing. Part of a collaborative research project initiated by 4 Japanese institutions including the Building Research Institute, the workshop was organized to share research and development output as well as to discuss activity programs among participating research institutes in Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and Turkey.
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.
How can new technologies help build microfinance capacity in developing countries? The Microfinance Training of Trainers (MFToT) course has led the way with its unique blended learning approach. The fourth series which opened at the TDLC on August 16, 2007 takes advantage of webcasting to deliver videoconference lectures, vastly expanding accessibility. Moodle, an open-source learning management system, was incorporated for the first time – allowing 653 participants from 52 countries to register on-line.
Research institutes in Japan, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and Turkey connected via the GDLN on July 18, 2007 to take part in the “Thematic International Workshop 2007 on Feasible and Affordable Seismic Constructions in Developing Countries”. These 5 countries are participating in an ongoing collaborative research and development project to mitigate damage in earthquake prone areas in Asia, using videoconferencing as a way to share information and discuss future plans.
School children in Bangkok made their “debut” on screen in Japan during a Kids Initiative videoconference session held on July 17, 2007 acting out a skit explaining why many Thai people wear yellow. Counterparts in Japan responded with a presentation on school life in Tokyo. Kids Initiative is a World Bank TDLC program which utilizes videoconference and other communication technologies to promote multi-cultural exchanges between children to prepare them for an increasingly interconnected world.
Hitotsubashi University’s Asian Public Policy Program (APPP) held its second “reunion” via the GDLN on June 28, 2007. Professor Hisanobu Shishido moderated from the TDLC connecting to alumni in Beijing, Manila, Hanoi and Jakarta. Over thirty attended the seminar in Tokyo, including students currently enrolled in the program.
A new World Bank publication “An East Asian Renaissance: Ideas for Growth” was presented at the TDLC on June 12, 2007 by lead authors Dr. Homi Kharas, former Bank Chief Economist for East Asia & Pacific, and Dr. Indermit Gill, Economic Adviser. Three universities in Japan connected via videoconference to tune into discussions.
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.
With broad interest in road management systems around the world, much can be learned from each other’s experience – thus, findings from two international projects recently undertaken by the World Bank were discussed at a videoconference-based distance seminar connecting 9 sites on April 24, 2007 organized by the Bank’s East Asia Transport Unit & the GDLN.
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 National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) and The Building Research Institute (BRI)Japan held an international conference on “Disaster Mitigation Education and Risk Awareness” on March 15, 2007 at the TDLC.
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):
The application of seismic isolation is often limited in developing countries because of the high cost and specialized technology involved in its design, construction and maintenance. To address this issue, a study group organized by the Consortium for Building Research and Development has conducted research on simple and affordable seismic isolation – and an international workshop held on February 8, 2007 via videoconference allowed experts to share their findings with counterparts in Asia.
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.
“More hard work will be needed from all of you”. The new Dean of the Asian Development Bank Institute, Dr. Masahiro Kawai expressed hopes for accelerated microfinance capacity building at an Accreditation Ceremony held on February 5,2007 connecting 6 sites.
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
This session, focusing on “Overview of Lessons from Scaling Up Successful Efforts to Reduce Poverty” was facilitated by the World Bank Institute and delivered to JICA offices in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz. Based on a cooperation agreement between GDLN and JICA-Net, the TDLC is working with its counterpart to facilitate content exchange.
Reflecting the dynamic character of the region, Asia Pacific GDLN Distance Learning Centers (DLCs) have continued to expand since 2000, adding new Centers, staff and activities. To maximize the effectiveness of this growing network, a training program was held by GDLN AP and the TDLC from December 5 – 8, 2006 at the Australian National University in Canberra.
Research institutions in Japan, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and Turkey joined forces on November 22-23, 2006 connecting to each other from the TDLC for the “Tokyo International Workshop 2006 on Earthquake Disaster Mitigation for Safer Housing”.Organizers including the Building Research Institute of Japan have launched a new collaborative research project with Asian institutions, and are incorporating videoconferencing to share knowledge and strengthen the network.
Mr.Drew Stewart, World Bank Institute Multimedia Center Interactive Television Producer, conducted a Videoconferencing Seminar titled“Working in Front of the Camera: How to Moderate and Present in Formal Videoconference” on November 16, 2006. Connecting to JICA offices in Tokyo and Osaka from the TDLC studio, Mr.Stewart gave advice to moderators and presenters on conducting a more effective session, finishing with a mock videoconference.
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.
Students in Sri Lanka and Japan connected via videoconference on August 29, 2006 to conduct a joint “Home Room” session, participating in an activity to identify the most important things in life and share their perspectives.Facilitated with the cooperation of Takushoku University, over a dozen students from Hoya Junior High School assembled at the TDLC to interact with their peers in Sri Lanka.
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.
The third “Training of Trainers Course on Microfinance” (MFToT) began at the TDLC on August 3, 2006, incorporating new approaches to broaden its impact on building training capacity in Asia. Newcomers India, Pakistan and China joined Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the Philippines and Japan for the opening videoconference session connecting via the GDLN, with Beijing bridging to the China Development Bank’s national network to further expand the course’s reach. The session was also webcast live through the internet for the first time. See full story to access an archived version of the webcast.
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.
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.
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).
Hitotsubashi University’s Asian Public Policy Program (APPP) held a virtual “reunion” on June 16, 2006 via the GDLN. The first of two sessions planned for this year, over 30 current master degree students, PhD candidates and faculty gathered at the TDLC to connect with alumni in Beijing, Manila, Jakarta and Hanoi for discussions on recent policy issues in Asia. Waving to each other across the screen, the event provided an enjoyable new opportunity to strengthen ties and exchange information within the region’s alumni network.
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.
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.
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