Akihiko Tanaka, President of JICA, visited the United States from September 13 to 16, where he held meetings with representatives of international development finance institutions and participated in a panel discussion hosted by George Washington University (GWU) and an interview event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
1. Meeting with Representatives of International Development Financial Institutions
During a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, we exchanged views on the global economic outlook and the economic conditions in vulnerable countries. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation at the policy and operational levels to support countries, particularly vulnerable ones.
Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva (left) and Chairman Tanaka (right)
During a meeting with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, the two sides exchanged views on the future direction of their collaboration, building on the achievements of their cooperation to date in priority areas such as global health, Africa, the Pacific, and private sector finance. Both sides agreed to continue working closely together to further expand the impact of development through the self-sustaining and sustainable growth of developing countries.
Chairman Tanaka (left) and President Ajay Banga (right)
In addition, we held meetings with the Pew Research Center, the Center for Global Development (CGD), and other organizations.
2. A Q&A Event with George Washington University (GWU)
After speaking at a lecture and panel discussion event hosted by GWU’s Elliott School of International Affairs, I participated in a discussion with Professor Mike Mochizuki (moderator) and Associate Professor Christina Fink (discussant).
Chairman Tanaka emphasized that, precisely because we are living in an era of division, development cooperation serves as the foundation for a rules-based international order. He presented “human security” as a practical strategy for building a more resilient world, and described the Global South as partners with whom we can “co-create” the future by learning from one another while tackling challenges together. He also expressed the view that development cooperation is a long-term investment that fosters a mutually reinforcing relationship.
Scenes from the panel discussion event
3. Interview by CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies)
Chairman Tanaka took the stage at an interview event held as part of the recording of “The Opportunity Horizon,” a podcast produced by CSIS, with Eno T. Ebong, President of the International Development Division, serving as the interviewer.
Chairman Tanaka noted that JICA’s efforts to foster an environment conducive to investment and trade—through human resource development, institutional reform, and infrastructure development, while respecting the partner countries’ ownership—have served as a catalyst for private-sector investment. He also emphasized that development cooperation benefits partner countries, the international community, and Japan’s economy and society. He expressed the view that collaborative, co-creative cooperation—which connects diverse stakeholders based on the trust built up over many years—represents the greatest opportunity in the field of development moving forward.
Scenes from the panel discussion event
You can watch the recording via the link below.
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