The World Bank-Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) operates with the mission of documenting and disseminating Japanese and international knowledge and best practices to inform World Bank projects and help developing countries address their urban development challenges. In pursuing this mission, TDLC cooperates closely with Japanese cities under the City Partnership Program (CPP) in the design and delivery of knowledge activities and provision of technical assistance for participating countries.
To continuously improve program delivery, TDLC is conducting an assessment of the current Phase IV Program (FY2021 to FY2025) as it enters its last year of implementation. This aims to analyze how effectively the program has contributed to the TDLC mission and gather insights that will help shape the upcoming Phase V program.
Consultation with Kitakyushu city.
Recognizing that Japanese cities serve as a cornerstone in its knowledge sharing mandate, TDLC consulted with city officials from Kobe, Yokohama, Toyama, Hiroshima, Kitakyushu, and Fukuoka City from 3 to 13 June 2024 to get their perspectives on the performance of the present program and their vision of the partnership with TDLC in the next phase. The cities noted that their cooperation with TDLC and participation in knowledge sharing events have resulted in benefits such as international exposure, branding and promotion, advancement in local development agenda, and additional learning, among others. The cities also appreciate the opportunity to extend technical assistance in the preparation and implementation of WB projects, and help other countries address their development issues.
For the Phase V program, the cities envision a more robust collaboration with TDLC that includes deeper engagement and co-ownership in the design of knowledge events, opportunities for city constituents (e.g., local enterprises, academe, youth) to participate and benefit from the program, and documentation of positive outcomes gained by countries that participate in knowledge sharing events. The ideas collected from these consultations will also inform the transition of TDLC into a knowledge hub for livable cities as it aligns with the evolution of the World Bank into a “Knowledge Bank”.
Consultation with Fukuoka city.