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Conference name: Commemorative Ceremony for the 45th Anniversary of JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in Senegal
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 18:00-20:00
Organized by: Embassy of the Republic of Senegal in Japan / JICA
Place: International Conference Hall, 2F, JICA Ichigaya Chikyu Hiroba
Main Participants
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Senegal to Japan: Jean-Antoine Duf.
Senegalese contingent member OV (representative of apparel brand jam tun): Tomoko Taga
JICA Africa Division Director: Naoki Ando
Takuya Otsuka, Director General, JICA Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers
Background and Objectives
JICA’s Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) began their deployment to Senegal in 1980, and a cumulative total of 1,235 people have served in various fields, including education and health. Currently, 37 JOCV members are engaged in community development and public health, contributing to the creation of a sustainable society. The year 2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the dispatch of the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers to Senegal, and a commemorative ceremony was held in Senegal in June, attended by representatives of both countries. The ceremony in Tokyo was jointly organized by the Embassy of Senegal in Tokyo and JICA, with the aim of passing on the history, introducing activities, and disseminating project results while sharing the results of activities by former and current members of the program.
Contents
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the 45th anniversary of the deployment of the Senegalese Cooperation Volunteers was held at JICA Ichigaya Global Plaza with about 100 participants, jointly organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Senegal in Japan and JICA. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Jean-Antoine Duf expressed his gratitude for the longstanding contributions of the cooperative members and his expectations for future cooperation. Following this, OV representative Ms. Tomoko Taga gave a heartwarming speech about her experiences in her country of assignment and the deep ties she has developed with Senegal through subsequent business, which resonated with the participants. This was followed by a panel discussion between OVs and active duty members, who exchanged opinions on the transition of their activities and how they will be utilized after returning to their home countries. The ceremony provided an opportunity for all participants to confirm the activities of JICA’s Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in Senegal to date and to pray for their further development in the future.
Greetings from Guest of Honor (Senegal OV Taga)
panel discussion
Performance by Senegalese musicians and dance with participants
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