JICA The 1st “JICA International Cooperation Award” award ceremony was held, a major event where you can learn more about the projects that continue to contribute to Japan and developing countries.

[JICA] The 1st “JICA International Cooperation Award” award ceremony will be held, a major event where you can learn about the details of projects that continue to contribute to Japan and developing countries ​ JICA Press release: November 13, 2024 The 1st “JICA International Cooperation Award” award ceremony will be held, a major event where you can learn about the details of projects that continue to contribute to Japan and developing countries. Contributed to the dramatic improvement of an area that used to be one of the worst in the world, and even won the Dubai International Award
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Award recipients and JICA President Tanaka (first row, far right) and Vice President Miyazaki (first row, far left) Since 1975, JICA (Independent Administrative Agency Japan International Cooperation Agency) (Chairman: Akihiko Tanaka) recognizes individuals and organizations who have contributed to the social and economic development of developing countries through JICA’s cooperation and achieved remarkable achievements. We have been awarded the JICA Chairman’s Award. Starting this year, the name of the award will be changed to the JICA International Cooperation Award, and the winners will be selected by an external committee. This year, the first year of the award, three individuals and organizations that achieved outstanding results received the award. On Friday, November 8th, the award ceremony for the “1st JICA International Cooperation Award” was held at JICA Headquarters. JICA President Akihiko Tanaka praises the achievements that embody the idea of ​​“connecting the world with trust” At the beginning of the award ceremony, JICA President Akihiko Tanaka praised the achievements of the award winners, who have carried out activities that embody JICA’s vision of “Connecting the World with Trust.” In addition, the issues that the award winners have been working on, such as improving living environments in cities, regenerating communities, educating children in fragile environments, creating jobs for young people, and developing human resources, are the pillars of Japan’s international cooperation. He emphasized that development cooperation is at the root of “national security,” and spoke about the importance of development cooperation to overcome the complex crises currently facing the world and protect people’s human security.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/151049/3/151049-3-8f6135e4555eabab649c6428bb179aa0-3900×3051.jpg In addition, on behalf of the selection committee, Tetsuo Kondo (former UNDP representative in Japan and specially appointed professor at Kyoto University) announced the details of the award winners and the reasons for the award (*). This year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan’s international cooperation through ODA. Commissioner Kondo said, “The projects nominated for the JICA International Cooperation Award are all wonderful initiatives, and I realized the depth of Japan’s international cooperation to date.” I prayed that the activities of those who continue to make steady efforts will be known to people all over the world and help solve the world’s problems.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/151049/3/151049-3-2a700def20c3712237264b93d6c640c5-3900×3059.jpg A milestone year, the 70th anniversary of ODA.Each award recipient talks about their thoughts on their activities Following the introduction of the winners and the presentation of certificates and commemorative gifts, each awardee gave a speech. Below is a summary. [Mr. Augusto Pinto Carrillo, President of the Latin American Association of Urban and Regional Planners] “In 2000, I participated in JICA’s land zoning training in Obihiro. I deepened my knowledge of urban planning and development in Japan, and learned about successful land development projects in major cities in Japan.” “We started a network with the involvement of returned trainees from other countries in Latin America who had learned through this training, and in 2024 it was reborn as the Latin American Urban and Regional Planners Association. We achieved our goal of spreading Japan’s experience to the Latin American region. I would like to continue working to improve people’s lives while thinking about the ideal form of a city that is kind to people, sustainable, and smart.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/151049/3/151049-3-2585c390feaa2fdabcd2dd22f3f8d7ae-3900×2925.jpg [NGO Surangani Representative Shigeko Baba] “For the past 37 years since I first came to Sri Lanka as a volunteer volunteer, it is my role as an adult to create an environment where Sri Lankan children can grow, and I have worked there thinking that this is something I can do.” “We provide support to kindergartens, hospitals, children from poor families, and children with disabilities so that they can connect with society and become independent.We will continue to work with many staff and supporters to support people who live with integrity. , I want to spread hope for children and the future of Sri Lanka.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/151049/3/151049-3-35a63e7a51d3f5dd8e39c47a64f8358e-3900×2860.jpg [National University Corporation Miyazaki University President Samejima] “The B-JET (Bangladesh-Japan ICT Engineers’ Training Project) started in 2017. It is a win-win project that aims to promote the employment of young and talented ICT personnel in Bangladesh and eliminate the shortage of ICT personnel in Miyazaki. What we aimed for” “Even during the coronavirus pandemic, we will continue our business in cooperation with partners such as Miyazaki City and Keirinkan. We are honored to be able to contribute to the
internationalization of the region and fostering momentum for multicultural coexistence.” [Mayor of Miyazaki, Mayor of Kiyoyama (*acting)] “We provide subsidies to local companies that accept human resources, and we support people who have come to Japan from Bangladesh by interacting with citizens and providing information on daily life in order to help them adjust to life in Miyazaki City. We believe that all of them are excellent and enthusiastic people. We hope to continue providing support that will lead to the development of both countries.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/151049/3/151049-3-2b782731f5d492b09dc8e63f450f500c-3900×2925.jpg From left: JICA President Tanaka, Deputy Mayor of Miyazaki Kodama, President Samejima Miyazaki University, Representative Director of Kitagawa Keirinkan
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/151049/3/151049-3-6bac8a693c9d925ec40c990fa85291cc-3900×3017.jpg Samejima Miyazaki University President (*) The reasons for each award recipient are as follows: Latin American Association of Urban and Regional Planners (President Augusto Pinto Carrillo) (Reason for award) The Latin American region is exposed to vulnerability from climate change and natural disasters, and is also experiencing population growth and urbanization. The Latin American Association of Urban and Regional Planners is a platform that brings together a diverse range of human resources, including central government officials, local government officials, consultants, and university teachers from 14 countries in Latin America, to engage in autonomous and sustainable activities while leveraging their respective strengths. is being developed. It is expected that they will continue to co-create and lead advanced initiatives to address urgent urban issues in Latin America. Not only has the land readjustment learned in Japan been applied to urban planning in Colombia, but the method has spread to 14 Latin American countries, and efforts are being made to institutionalize it, making it worthy of the JICA International Cooperation Award. I rate it highly. Ms. Shigeko Baba (Representative of NGO Surangani) (Reason for award) In Sri Lanka, many people face multiple vulnerabilities including education, health, disasters, and standard of living. With children’s education in dire straits due to the economic crisis, Shigeko Baba has been working with children in vulnerable environments, including those in poverty and with disabilities, for over 30 years through the NGO she founded, Surangani. He has contributed to early childhood and child education, including supporting the development of learning environments for children and training kindergarten teachers. I also highly rate his efforts to improve project effectiveness by leveraging his experience as a JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteer and working jointly with JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. National University Corporation Miyazaki University (core institution of this project) / Miyazaki City / Shinko Publishing Keirinkan Co., Ltd. / North South University / BJIT Co., Ltd. / Educational Information Service Co., Ltd. (KJS) (Reason for award) While Bangladesh is a promising emerging country with the world’s eighth largest population and a rising working-age population, it also faces the challenge of raising income levels through job creation and human resource development, especially for young people. are. This initiative was highly praised as an initiative to promote human resource development with diverse partners in Bangladesh and Japan. A system has already been established to support business development between Japan and Bangladesh, and this model is expected to be expanded to areas other than Miyazaki in the future, with the potential to become a more sustainable initiative. worthy of.