I would like to extend my heartiest congratulation to JICA Alumni Association of Nepal (JAAN) for issuing MILAN magazine 2024 on its 51st anniversary. This marks a new chapter for JAAN, following the celebration of its five decades of dedicated efforts toward Nepal’s development. JAAN has now embarked on a new initiative focused on fostering a sustainable path for Nepal’s prosperous future.
Since its establishment in 1973 by former participants of JICA training in Japan, JAAN has been a key partner of JICA Nepal. Its mission is to promote social and economic development in Nepal by applying the skills and knowledge gained in Japan, collaborating with JICA, and strengthening the relationship between Japan and Nepal. Over the past five decades, JAAN has grown into a dynamic alumni association, shaped by its wealth of experiences. Its ongoing contributions to Nepal have been particularly impactful in areas such as health support and awareness, seminars on contemporary issues, and community development across various fields.
In addition, JAAN is always flexible in its activities, responding to the needs and circumstances of the times. In September 2024, many areas in Nepal suffered flood disaster due to prolonged rainfall. JAAN promptly decided to use fund, which was originally intended for the annual event, to counter to the disaster, and distribute relief supplies to flood victims, contributing to the country’s recovery. I was very impressed with the decision and actions.
In recent years, JAAN has expanded its network among the countries in South Asia, organizing human resource development seminars as well as international seminars attended by South Asian countries. I believe that the network will contribute to the development of not only Nepal but also South Asia.
Just after the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake, the Government of Nepal and JAAN provided support to Japan, and the Japanese Government and JICA provided support during the major earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015, building a mutual relationship of cooperation.
At this point of time, JAAN is moving a step ahead in its endeavor by focusing more on its accumulated skills, knowledge, and relationships in coordination with the Government of Nepal and JICA Nepal. I believe that JAAN in addition to being an alumni association can also be active as a coordinating organization amongst relevant development stake holders in the next decade.
Japan and Nepal will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026. I wish JAAN and JICA Nepal continue to strengthen its ties and contribute to the overall development of Nepal.
Mizuki MATSUZAKI
Chief Representative
JICA Nepal