The World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), recognizing the importance of harnessing information and communication technology for development, must take advantage of their respective networks to elevate their relationship to a new level of knowledge-based cooperation.... Such was the vision that led to the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Bank's GDLN and JICA-Net on November 16, 2004. This resulted in the world's largest development learning network, with a combined reach of 119 cities in 84 countries.
The joining of hands between the GDLN and JICA-Net means better and more widespread connectivity, establishing the foundation for an innovative range of knowledge sharing activities. Both networks can share their distance learning contents to reach a much wider audience. Projects are being investigated for joint content development. JICA's extensive experience in the field can certainly benefit WB operations, while allowing Japan's development experience to be disseminated more widely through the GDLN.
The agreement is seen as a strong sign of the significance attached to greater cooperation between the two organizations as a whole. Each takes a unique approach to development aid, with the Bank working through loans and guarantees as well as analytical and advisory support, and JICA concentrating on technical cooperation. With poverty reduction as a common goal, the Bank and JICA can work to capitalize on each other's strengths through a complementary relationship.
Bank President Paul Wolfowitz has stressed that the Bank's relationship with the Japanese development community should be more vibrant including active discussions on policy. On his visit to Japan in October 2005, Mr. Wolfowitz met with JICA President Sadako Ogata to talk about possible areas for cooperation. Both organizations face a need to raise the efficiency and impact of development assistance by identifying local needs in a timely and accurate manner. It is hoped that cooperation between the two networks will serve to facilitate such information sharing.
Following the agreement, JICA-Net's distance learning seminars have been conducted at GDLN Centers in Africa. Originally created for Asian countries, the seminar has proved popular among African countries as well, demonstrating a high interest in learning from the Asian economic development experience. In this way, collaboration between the GDLN and JICA-Net makes it possible to unlock Japanese development expertise for international use, as well as facilitate information gathering from developing countries to better assess their interests.
The Bank's GDLN has 80 centers worldwide to support knowledge sharing, while JICA-Net has 55 centers around the world to complement JICA activities. Under the Agreement, the following activities are to be given priority:
1. Enhance distance learning activities through the mutual use of JICA-Net and GDLN
2.Undertake collaborative distance learning activities to promote capacity building
Quick Tour
"A three minute guide to GDLN-JICA-Net Cooperation" is available on the JICA-Net website.
Map of GDLN/JICA-Net Centers (PDF 1.8MB) Download a flyer which includes a map of all GDLN and JICA-Net Centers.
Contact GDLN/JICA-Net
If you are interested in conducting an activity through GDLN/JICA-Net, please contact us.
Guidelines for JICA
GDLN Guidelines for JICA users have become effective February 1, 2006.
Tokyo Development Learning Center
A Japan/World Bank Distance Learning Partnership Project
The World Bank • Fukoku Semei Bldg. 10F • 2-2-2 Uchisaiwai-cho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0011
Tel: +81-(0)3-3597-1333 • Fax: +81-(0)3-3597-9161 • E-mail us here