At the 40th GRIPS Forum held on 22 November 2010, GRIPS invited Mr. David Potten, Senior Policy Adviser (consultant), Partnership and Trust Fund Policy, Global Partnership and Trust Fund Operations, World Bank, to deliver a lecture titled “The Japan Social Development Fund – a Unique and Successful Aid Initiative.”

Mr. Potten said that Japanese overseas aid has steadily been decreasing each year; on the other hand Japan has been contributing to economic development in developing countries through the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF), established by Japan’s government in 2000.? He pointed out the reasons why the methods of JSDF are highly effective, mentioning actual cases as examples. He added that JSDF is unique, not always 100% successful, but he expected continued support by the Japanese government. Many questions were raised during the Q&A session, which were answered respectfully by the speaker, resulting in a very fruitful lecture.