Message from the Executive Director

As I begin serving as Executive Director of the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, allow me to extend my greetings and briefly introduce to you the direction of our work at the Institute.

The JICA Research Institute was established in October 2008 and was renamed the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development (JICA Ogata Research Institute) in April 2020. In 2008 it was spearheaded by the late Ogata Sadako; the objectives then were to conduct policy-oriented research based on the challenges faced by developing countries and to strengthen Japan’s intellectual presence in the international community. I will strive to enhance our research and communication activities to continue and advance these founding objectives. In doing so, it will be important to systematize and disseminate the knowledge that Japan has acquired through its experience of development and co-operation, especially in the light of the current global pandemic, changes in the international order, its transition toward becoming an informed society, climate change, and other current issues and challenges.

With the abovementioned objectives in mind, the JICA Ogata Research Institute has set “Co-creating Practical Knowledge for Peace and Development” as our new vision. Under this vision, we will analyze knowledge gained in the field, provide comprehensive feedback to JICA projects, and contribute to achieving human security. In addition, as the society changes significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will undertake the challenge of conducting research on new developmental issues, such as ways in which the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be strategically promoted. We will further strengthen our capability for human resources development, provide a platform for research exchange, and promote the JICA Development Studies Program (JICA–DSP), which will play a crucial role in achieving the abovementioned objectives.

We have just begun our journey as the JICA Ogata Research Institute. We strongly wish to collaborate with diverse partners in conducting high-quality research aimed at achieving peace and development worldwide from a field-oriented perspective, and to publish research results that have an impact on policy-making. I humbly request your continued support and co-operation.


October 1, 2020
Takahara Akio, Executive Director
JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development