President Tanaka Visited the United States
2026.10.20
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From September 13 to 16, JICA President Tanaka Akihiko visited the United States to meet with representatives of development finance institutions, while also participating in a discussion hosted by George Washington University (GWU) and an interview organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
1. Meetings with Representatives of Development Finance Institutions
In a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, President Tanaka exchanged views on the global economic outlook and the economic situation in vulnerable countries. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration at both the policy and operational levels to strengthen cooperation for partner countries.
Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva (left) and President Tanaka (right)
In a meeting with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, President Tanaka exchanged views on future directions for collaboration, reflecting on the achievements of cooperation to date in priority areas such as global health, Africa, the Pacific region, and private sector finance. Both sides reaffirmed that they would continue their close cooperation to further enhance development impact through the self-reliant and sustainable growth of developing countries.
President Tanaka (left) and President Ajay Banga (right)
In addition, President Tanaka held discussions with representatives from the Pew Research Center, the Center for Global Development (CGD), and other organizations.
2. Speech and Discussion at George Washington University (GWU)
After speaking at an event hosted by the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University, President Tanaka took part in a discussion with Professor Mike Mochizuki, who served as moderator, and Associate Professor Christina Fink, who served as discussant.
President Tanaka emphasized that, at a time of global fragmentation, development cooperation serves as a foundation sustaining the rules-based international order. He described the concept of “human security” as a practical strategy for building a more resilient world. He also underscored the importance of “co-creation” with Global South countries as partners in shaping our shared future, emphasizing that partners should work together to address challenges while learning from one another. In this context, he stressed that development cooperation is a long-term investment that fosters mutually reinforcing relationships among partners.
Speaking at GWU
3. Interview with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
President Tanaka participated in an interview for The Opportunity Horizon, a podcast program hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and moderated by Enoh T. Ebong, President of the Global Development Department of CSIS.
President Tanaka noted that JICA’s longstanding efforts to improve the investment and trade environment through human resource development, institutional strengthening, and infrastructure development, while respecting partner countries’ ownership, have also served to mobilize private capital. He further emphasized that development cooperation also generates benefits for partner countries, the international community, and Japan’s economy and society. Drawing on the trust built through decades of engagement, he stressed that connecting diverse stakeholders with co-creation represents the greatest opportunity for the future of development.
Scene from the interview
The podcast is available at the following links.
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