Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)
IMF News, November 15, 2023
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Bibliographic details
- Published: November 15, 2023
Event summary and purpose
- Opening remarks delivered by Deputy Managing Director Antoinette M. Sayeh in Tokyo, Japan on November 15, 2023.
- Occasion: 30th Anniversary of the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA).
- Purpose:
- Celebrate JISPA as an investment in the future of the Asia-Pacific region.
- Highlight JISPA’s role within IMF capacity development efforts to strengthen institutions and human resources.
- Recognize contributions of Japanese authorities, participating countries, universities, and IMF staff.
Program role and strategic importance
- JISPA’s role:
- Described metaphorically as a “Torii” gateway: Hashira (Japanese authorities and participating countries) as pillars, Kasagi (IMF) as the upper lintel coordinating the program, and Nuki (universities) as the connecting lintel.
- A gateway to empower scholars to become stronger policymakers and contribute to home countries’ development.
- Alignment with IMF capacity development:
- Capacity strengthening represents close to a third of IMF operations.
- Human resource development through training (in-person and increasingly online) is central; JISPA focuses on the next generation of policymakers and provides graduate-level education in economic theory and practice.
- Benefits for the Fund:
- Facilitates policy dialogue and exchange by familiarizing scholars with how the IMF works.
Benefits to participating countries, Japan, and the region
- For participating countries:
- Investment in human resources; alumni contribute to institutional capacity and institution building.
- Alumni often advance rapidly in careers and hold high-level positions in the region.
- For Japan:
- Japan is the largest financial contributor to the IMF’s capacity development activities and sponsors JISPA.
- Japan’s sponsorship is framed as a strong signal of commitment to building a better future for countries in Asia-Pacific.
- For regional cooperation:
- More than 880 alumni in the region provide a foundation for promoting regional cooperation.
- Personal and professional bonds from scholars’ time in Japan facilitate communication in regional fora and mitigate risks associated with geopolitical fragmentation.
Program evolution and forward-looking agenda
- Versatility and openness to change:
- JISPA has evolved its content in response to global economic developments and country needs since inception.
- Forward agenda at the event:
- Panel discussion planned to explore enhancing graduate-level public policy education and JISPA in a fast-changing global landscape.
- Emphasis on continuing the collective spirit and joint effort underpinning the program.
Recognition and acknowledgements
- Special thanks expressed to:
- The Japanese Ministry of Finance for unwavering support.
- Partnership universities for education and scholar support.
- Participating countries for trust and sending officials to study under JISPA.
- Scholars for completing rigorous programs.
- JISPA team in OAP (Saika-san, Kazuyo-san and Tamae-san) for ensuring smooth operations and scholar care.
Remarks by Antoinette M. Sayeh, Deputy Managing Director, November 15, 2023.