Investing in People, Improving the World: JJ/WBGSP Scholars Meet in New York
On October 10, 2025, JJ/WBGSP scholars representing diverse regions of the world gathered at Columbia University. Scholars representing diverse regions of the world gathered at Columbia University, New York to share their experiences as beneficiaries of the Joint Japan–World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)—a flagship partnership that continues to empower professionals from developing countries to pursue graduate studies at leading universities around the world.
The event brought together current scholars from partner universities around the New York state area—specifically, Yale and Columbia University to reflect on the program’s impact, strengthen connections within the growing global network of JJ/WBGSP beneficiaries, and explore new ways to enhance collaboration between scholars, the Government of Japan and the broader World Bank community.
Figure 1: Marcelo Buitron, Special Assistant to the World Bank Group Chief Economist and Co-lead of the JJ-WBGSP giving the event’s opening remarks
Japan’s Enduring Commitment to Human Capacity Development
In his video remarks, Koji Uemera, World Bank Alternate Executive Director for Japan, reaffirmed Japan’s long-standing belief that human capacity development lies at the heart of global progress. “It is not a byproduct of growth,” he emphasized. “It is the driver.”
His remarks captured the spirit of Japan’s development cooperation, which prioritizes investment in education and people as the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth. This philosophy is embodied in the JJ/WBGSP, which has supported more than 7,200 scholars from 160 developing countries since its inception in 1987; many of whom now hold leadership roles in government, academia, and international organizations.
Figure 2: Video remarks by Koji Eumura, World Bank Alternate Executive Director for Japan
Voices of Transformation
During the event, scholars shared moving stories of how the scholarship has transformed their professional paths and personal perspectives.
“I’ve worked in some of the most underdeveloped districts of my state,” said Shubhasmita Mishra from India, reflecting on her work in Odisha’s public sector. “Without this scholarship, I would never have been able to come to an Ivy League college. The program brings together people with diverse knowledge and backgrounds—it’s truly transformative.”
Shoaib Saleem, a central banker from Pakistan shared how studying at Yale University through the program deepened his expertise in systemic risk. “It’s directly relevant to my work back home in the financial sector,” he said. “This opportunity bridges global learning with local needs.”
Solomon Ejila from Nigeria, pursuing his master’s in public administration at Columbia University, expressed his gratitude with candor: “Before I came here, I watched countless videos on how to get selected because I know the impact of an opportunity like this on my work back home. I don’t take this for granted—it’s a huge privilege. I’m deeply grateful to the World Bank, the Government of Japan for this opportunity.”
These were just a few of the many testimonials shared, yet together they illustrated how Japan’s investment in people is shaping a generation of development leaders who will bring innovation, empathy, and best practices back to their home countries.
Figure 3: Cross-section of beneficiaries
New Tools for Increased Effectiveness
The event also featured a presentation by Data Scientist Lorena Corso from the World Bank on Data360, a newly unified data portal that integrates over 300 million data points across more than 200 economies, consolidating and curating development indicators, analytics, and reports in one place. Her presentation underscored how Data360 is designed to improve the coherence, discoverability, and usability of development data—making it easier for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to access reliable data for development projects.
Figure 4: Data Scientist, Lorena Corso presenting the World Bank's Data 360 portal
A Shared Vision for the Future
The afternoon concluded with renewed appreciation for Japan’s vision and the collaborative spirit that defines the JJ/WBGSP. For the scholars, it was not only a chance to express gratitude, but also to see themselves as part of a larger story—one that connects classrooms in New Haven and New York to ministries in Lagos, Lahore, and beyond.
Through the Joint Japan–World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP), Japan continues to demonstrate that the most enduring investment any nation can make is in people—their knowledge, their capacity, and their ability to drive change. Building on this commitment, the JJ/WBGSP will continue to host engagement events at partner universities around the world, fostering a vibrant and connected community of scholars from the program.