JJ/WBGSP Scholars Gather at Harvard Kennedy School for Networking Event

Cambridge, Massachusetts — February 27, 2026

^{Picture 1: Scholars with Laurent Porte from the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat, World Bank}

The transformational effect of the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) was on display once again on February 27, 2026 at Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Active scholars came together with Noaya Jinda, the World Bank Executive Director for Japan, faculty from Harvard Kennedy School and Brandeis University's Heller School for Social Policy and Management, and representatives of the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat. The networking event, organized by the Secretariat, brought together nine scholars from eight countries — all mid-career professionals whose studies are being funded by the program.

Scholars Share Their Stories

Scholars presented their professional backgrounds and discussed the development impact they expect their JJ/WBGSP-funded studies to generate. They expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan and the World Bank for the scholarship, describing it as a life-changing opportunity.

Muhammed Umar from Pakistan spoke on the practical skills he is building at Brandeis: “With the blend of new skills I am learning here, from negotiation and mediation to technical skills like GIS and cybersecurity, I will be able to perform my duties back home in Pakistan more efficiently and effectively.”

For Saori Tani of Japan, the scholarship is fueling a broader ambition: "My passion is to develop infrastructure all over the world for those who are in need, and I hope to use the skills I am learning to mobilize finance and achieve that goal."

Evelyn Maziku from Tanzania highlighted the analytical tools she is gaining and how she plans to put them to work: "Now I am able to analyze policies starting with my country, Tanzania, and when I go back I will help address the gaps we have in policy development and program evaluation."

^{Picture 2: Muhammed Umar, JJ/WBGSP scholar, speaking at the event}

Recognizing the Role of Partner Universities

In his address, Naoya Jinda recognized the role of partner universities in the program's success: "Universities such as Harvard and Brandeis have provided specialized programs that draw on the US's expertise in key areas like public administration management, public policy, global health policy, and sustainable development. Your dedication to nurturing the next generation of development leaders is invaluable."

A Legacy of Impact

Since its launch in 1987 by the Government of Japan, the JJ/WBGSP has awarded more than 7,200 scholarships to mid-career professionals from developing countries at over 250 universities across 32 World Bank member countries — with a clear mandate to encourage and strengthen human resources development in developing countries. Harvard Kennedy School alone has enrolled 372 JJ/WBGSP scholars, while Brandeis Heller School has hosted 170.

The program's track record speaks for itself. As Naoya Jinda noted in his keynote address, "The most recent study, conducted early 2025, has shown that 84% of JJ/WBGSP alumni are contributing to development efforts in their home countries or other developing countries." The keynote further added: "Our scholars have not only attained their degrees but have also returned to their home countries or other developing nations to apply their enhanced knowledge and skills, thereby accelerating economic and social development."

 ^{Picture 3: Group photo with Naoya Jinda, World Bank Executive Director for Japan}

Looking Ahead

Scholars commended the organization of these networking events and suggested that more of them should be organized, ideally within the first three months of their studies. They also expressed excitement about joining the JJ/WBGSP online alumni community which the Secretariat launched in late 2024, upon completion of their programs.

The event’s objectives, fostering peer networking, strengthening scholars’ understanding of the World Bank’s role in global development, and creating mentorship opportunities, were well reflected in the day’s discussions. As the keynote speaker noted, “We thought it would be nice to bring together recipients of the JJ/WBGSP so they can share their professional achievements and the expected development impact of their JJ/WBGSP-funded studies.”