On January 25, JICA experts who have been engaged in JICA projects in their home countries met Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino at Akasaka Gosho to report on their activities and episodes.
The first meeting with Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino began in 2004, and this year marks the 20th time that the two Imperial Princes have met. Their Imperial Highnesses were met by three returnee experts from Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prior to their visit, they met with JICA President Akihiko Tanaka at JICA Headquarters (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo).
Front row, from left: Procurement and Temporary Staffing Services Department Director Mitsui, Specialist Soeda, Chairman Tanaka, Specialist Usami, Specialist Aoki
Back row, from left: Mr. Aoki, Deputy Director, Procurement and Temporary Staffing Services Department; Mr. Otsuka, Director, Office of the President; Mr. Tsuruoka, Section Chief
Sustainable tourism development in the Dominican Republic using local resources
Expert Aoki (iC.net, Inc.) supported the development of products utilizing local resources and the creation of experience tours in the Dominican Republic to establish a new tourism development model led by local residents. In addition, I.C.Net supported the establishment of a system and human resource development to take the initiative in tourism management, and the formulation of strategies to sustain the activities, thereby contributing to the realization of sustainable tourism development.
Promotional activities at the Tourism Expo (Specialist Aoki is on the lower left)
Toward Independence and Social Reintegration of Victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
Gender based violence (GBV) is a serious challenge in Pakistan, violating women’s rights and safety. Specialist Usami worked to improve the capacity of support workers and strengthen organizational structures that support the empowerment of women victims so that they can provide services based on a “victim-centered approach” tailored to each individual victim and support for “independence and reintegration” beyond “protection”.
Training on Gender and GBV for Punjab Social Welfare Department staff.
Rebuilding Ukraine with Japan’s expertise in disaster waste management
Expert Soeda (Nippon Koei Co., Ltd.) was in the process of implementing initiatives to improve waste disposal capacity and promote the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in urban areas in Ukraine when the military invasion by Russia began. Under these circumstances, the Ukrainian government requested that we share Japan’s knowledge and experience in post-disaster waste management, as they were experiencing difficulties in dealing with the large amount of destroyed waste*. In response to this request, Expert Soeda shared specific Japanese experience in an online seminar, contributing to the rebuilding process.
In Ukraine, debris and other waste materials resulting from war are referred to as Destruction Waste.
Seminar in the city of Kieu before the Russian invasion (Expert Soeda is third from the left)
After the visit
The returning expert said, “I was nervous at the beginning in front of Their Imperial Highnesses, but Their Imperial Highnesses smiled and talked to me, and listened to my presentation warmly and attentively, which eased my nerves. The meeting was conducted in a friendly atmosphere from start to finish. In addition to the details of their activities, they also shared with the audience some of the difficulties they faced and episodes of their ingenuity in the face of the Corona disaster and the worsening situation in Ukraine. Their Imperial Highnesses also asked questions about the current situation in each country and important points of the project, such as the importance of utilizing local resources in the development of community tourism, challenges in operating women’s shelters, and difficulties in separating garbage in developing countries.
The returning experts commented that they were impressed by the interest shown in their activities, and that it was very encouraging for them to continue their activities in the future.
© Source JICA