FOCUS A QUARTERLY PUBLISHED BY THE COLOMBO PLAN SECRETARIAT

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1 THE COLOMBO PLAN THE COLOMBO PLAN for Cooperative Economic and Social Development in Asia and the Pacific FOCUS A QUARTERLY PUBLISHED BY THE COLOMBO PLAN SECRETARIAT ISSUE 37 - October 2006 Workshop on Mosque-based Prevention and Aftercare Coordinators August 2006, Kabul, Afghanistan The unique mosquebased drug abuse prevention and aftercare project, which was launched in 2005 in Afghanistan, was reviewed from August 2006 in Kabul. The Colombo Plan Drug Advisory (CPDAP) has been implementing several projects in Afghanistan under The Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Department of State funding. This particular project commenced in 2005 after signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Colombo Plan and the Ministry of Haj and Awqaf. The Mosque-based Prevention and Aftercare Project was started with initial training for 26 religious leaders representing Mosques in 25 provinces. The opening ceremony of the workshop was attended by General Khodaidad, Hon. Deputy Minister for Policy and Coordination of the Ministry of Counter Narcotics (MCN), Government of Afghanistan and Mr. Thomas Browne, Jr., of INL, and senior officials from the MCN and Ministry of Haj and Awkaf. Both General Khodaidad and Mr. Thomas Browne, Jr., were appreciative of the efforts of Colombo Plan Drug Advisory and Mr. Thomas Browne, Jr., Deputy Director, Office of Anticrime s, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), US Department of State, addressing the gathering. reiterated their progressive commitment to demand reduction activities in Afghanistan. Today we are looking for low-cost, locally owned and managed demand reduction initiatives with a wide coverage. This Mosque-based Prevention and Aftercare Project is a truly communitybased activity in that sense. Under this project Mullah of the village mosque develops and runs the drug prevention programmes with available resources to him. The workshop also included a one-day follow-up training activity on mosque based drug prevention with particular attention to the concept and early interventions. Armed with positive results and lessons learned during the year one, religious leaders prepared individual work plans for their respective mosques for the second year of operation. 46 religious leaders attended the workshop. 1

2 NEW COLOMBO PLAN COUNCIL MEMBERS New Ambassador - Japan His Excellency Mr. Kiyoshi Araki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka arrived in Sri Lanka on 26th August 2006 and presented his credentials to His Excellency, President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday 9th September Born on 24th of June 1949, he graduated from the Faculty of Jurisprudence, University of Tokyo and joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in April He served in the capacity of Deputy Director, First North American Division and as Director, Oceania Division, European and Oceania Affairs Bureau in Having served as Counsellor in Japanese Embassies in the United Kingdom, People s Republic of China and Canada from 1990 to 1996, he assumed duties in 1997 as Deputy Director General, Intelligence and Analysis Bureau, MOFA and was subsequently appointed as Deputy Director General, Economic Cooperation Bureau in In 2000, he assumed duties as Minister, Japanese Mission to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, France and was subsequently elevated to the position of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in the same mission. In 2003 Ambassador Araki assumed duties as Director-General, Office for the Geneva Conventions, MOFA and in 2004 he held the post of Director General, International Affairs Department, House of Councillors of the Diet until he was appointed recently as Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka. Ambassador Araki s hobby is reading books, especially books on history. New High Commissioner - Bangladesh His Excellency Mr. Shahdat Hossain joined Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo as High Commissioner in July He presented his credential to His Excellency, President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 14 August Mr. Hossain is a senior member of Bangladesh Foreign Service with the rank of Ambassador. He studied English Literature and obtained his Bachelor s Degree with Honours and Masters from the University of Rajshahi, a northern city in Dhaka. He worked in different capacities in the Ministry of foreign Affairs, Bangladesh and also Bangladesh Missions in Cairo, Islamabad, New Delhi and Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. He speaks English, French, Hindi, Urdu and Arabic in addition to Bangla. 2

3 NEW COLOMBO PLAN COUNCIL MEMBERS New Ambassador - United States His Excellency Mr. Robert O. Blake, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of United States of America arrived in Sri Lanka on September 8, 2006 to take up his duties as Ambassador to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives. Ambassador Blake presented his credentials on September 9 to His Excellency, President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Ambassador Blake is a career Foreign Service Officer. He entered the Foreign Service in He has served at the American Embassies in Tunisia, Algeria, Nigeria and Egypt. He also has held a number of positions at the State Department in Washington. Most recently, Ambassador Blake served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Mission in New Delhi, India from Ambassador Blake earned a B.A. from Harvard College in 1980 and an M.A. in international relations from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in He is married to Sofia Blake. They have three daughters. New High Commissioner - Pakistan His Excellency Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Shahzad Aslam Chaudhry, assumed duties as the High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Pakistan for Sri Lanka recently. Ambassador Shahzad Aslam Chaudhry has a Bachelor s in Science Degree with Honours in War Studies and a Master s in Science Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies. He held various commanding assignments in Pakistan Air Force including Officer commanding F-16 Squadron, Officer commanding f-16 Wing, Base Commander of Pakistan Air Force base Rafiqui and as Air Officer, commanding Southern Air Command. He also took assignments as Deputy Director (Operations), AHQ, Air Attache, High Commission of Pakistan in London, PSO to Chief of the Air Staff, and in 2002 as Director General, Air Force Strategic Command; Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) in 2003 and the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Support) in He was assigned as Director General, Joint Operations, GHQ, in 2006 before he retired from Pakistan Air Force in July He has received many prestigious awards including Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military), Tamghae-Basalat and Professional Efficiency Badge. Ambassador Chaudhry is married and has five children. 3

4 New Demand Reduction Projects for Afghanistan Colombo Plan Drug Advisory will launch several new demand reduction projects soon in Afghanistan. Under this initiative five residential treatment facilities (25-30 bed) will be established to provide residential treatment and other services to both male and female drug dependents in five provinces. At the same time 100 persons will be trained as staff of the proposed five treatment centers. In addition, further training will be provided to staff engaged in drug treatment on managing treatment programmes. Study tours for 10 persons to Daytop Inc., USA will be arranged to give the participants with an overview of Therapeutic Community treatment procedure. Duration of the tour will be 14 days. In Jalalabad community based services for drug dependents will be established through existing community organisations. The estimated cost of this project is approximately US$ 1.9 million. The Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Department of State, will provide financial assistance for this project. Training Course on Strategic Analysis 31 July - 20 August 2006, The Training Course on Strategic Analysis was conducted from 31 July to 20 August 2006, at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), Kuala Lumpur, with the collaboration of the n Technical Cooperation (MTCP). The main objectives of the training course were to enhance participant s knowledge on strategic thinking and security matters in today s world and to enable participants to develop scenario for the purpose of strategic analysis and management to provide a forum for exchange of views and ideas. The training course covered topics such as introduction to strategic thinking and management of global strategic scenarios, strategic resource management, threat analysis, conflict management and infrastructure management. PPA sponsored six participants from Lao PDR, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam to the training course. Mr. Tae Hyung Kim bids farewell to the Colombo Plan After a successful tenure of two years, Mr. Tae Hyung Kim completed his assignment as Director, for Private Sector Development (PPSD) of the Colombo Plan Secretariat. Mr. Kim was seconded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in September 2004, to continue the activities of PPSD. The Colombo Plan greatly appreciates the services rendered by Mr. Tae Hyung Kim and wishes him success in his future endeavours. 4

5 Training Course on Strategic Management 06 July - 04 August 2006, The Training Course on Strategic Management was conducted from 6 July to 4 August 2006, at the Institute of Public Administration (INTAN), with collaboration of the n Technical Cooperation (MTCP). The overall direction of strategic management involves examination of an organisation s vision and strategy, the development of resources and capabilities as well as the external environment to attain its objectives, selection of organisational structures and management styles to carry out the strategy. Main objectives of the Training Course on Strategic Management were to enhance participant s knowledge and understanding of new and emerging trends in the global arena and increasing participants ability to strategise performances of public service. The main components of the training course were emerging trends which shape the future of the public service, nature and stages of strategic decision-making and implementation, tools for managing organisations and rethinking of roles and resources. Colombo Plan sponsored participants from Iran, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam to the training course. Training Course on Integrated Environmental Planning and Management 06 July - 04 August 2006, The Colombo Plan collaborated with the n Technical Cooperation (MTCP) to conduct the Training Course on Integrated Environmental Planning and Management from 6 July to 4 August 2006, at the Institute of Public Administration (INTAN),. Main objective of the training course was to impart knowledge and skills to participants in environmental planning and policy, emphasising s experience in managing environment while striving to achieve economic development. The training course also focused on exposing participants to various issues and problems involving multi stakeholders in resource management and conflict resolution in the context of implementing sustainable development. The training course included the components such as environmental considerations in land use planning, environmental management systems, environmental impact assessment, legislative mechanisms in environment management, waste management and natural resource conservation and management. Colombo Plan sponsored participants from Iran, Sri Lanka and to the training course. Afghanistan Australia Bangladesh Bhutan Fiji The Colombo Plan Member Countries India Indonesia Iran Japan Korea Laos Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal New Zealand Pakistan Papua New Guinea Philippines Singapore Sri Lanka United States of America Vietnam 5

6 International Training Course on Community Based Micro-finance and Income Generation Management for Poverty Alleviation August 2006, Bangkok, Sustainable micro-finance and income generating programs have been recognised as one of the main avenues for poverty alleviation in developing countries. Micro-finance and income generation programmes always identify a niche that banks do not fill and operate with two main goals, allowing people to access small loans that would otherwise be inaccessible and, training entrepreneurs to develop and expand businesses. The International Training Course on Community Based Micro-finance and Income Generation Management for Poverty Alleviation was jointly organised by the International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA) and the Colombo Plan Secretariat and was implemented by the Ministry of Interior of Royal Thai Government from 7 to 25 August Main objectives of the training programme were: to learn overall theory, concept and approach on community development of self reliance; to exchange knowledge and share experiences among the countries on policies, strategies and best practices implemented in the respective countries with focus on micro-finance and income generating activities and; to strengthen networks of government agencies, national institutions and academic among the countries leading to possible adoption of implementation of best practices in community development. s experience in poverty alleviation was also discussed in depth. Eight (8) public sector officials from Bhutan, Indonesia,, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Vietnam participated. Training on Doha Development Agenda and Developing Country Positions for WTO Negotiations July 2006, Seoul, Korea Understanding the importance of Doha Development Agenda and its implications to the developing world, the Colombo Plan and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) organised the International Training on Doha Development Agenda and Developing Country Positions for WTO Negotiations. The training programme was conducted by the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Seoul, Korea from 03 to 14 July Main objectives of the training programme were: To enhance knowledge and understanding on the important aspects of Doha Development Agenda To deliberate negotiation issues of agriculture products access and its impact on developing countries economy To examine the recent development and progress To analyse issues related to domestic support and export subsidies and tariff impact on market access To highlight future multilateral issues important to developing countries The course module included the areas such as review of current progress in the Doha Development Round, rules and dispute settlement negotiations, special and different treatment for developing countries, implementation of trade remedy systems such as anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard, service trade negotiations, intellectual property protection in the WTO, negotiation skills and WTO and regional trading arrangements. Twelve (12) public sector officials from Bhutan, Indonesia, Iran (2),, Nepal (2), Pakistan, Sri Lanka, (2) and Vietnam participated in the training course. 6

7 UPCOMING EVENTS Short-Term 1. Training Course on Project Evaluation 23rd April - 11th May Training Course on Sustainable Crop Production 30th April - 09th June Training Course on Poverty Reduction 24th July - 11th August Training Course on International Negotiations 24th July - 15th August Training Course on Strategic Analysis 07th - 28th August Training Course on Leadership and Organisational Management March Training Course on Economic Planning and Management November 2007 Long-Term 6. MA in Strategy & Diplomacy May May on Environment for Public Administration (PPA) Drug Advisory (DAP) 5th Asian Youth Congress Financial and Technical Assistance for 25 Mosque-based Prevention Projects Long-Term 24th - 27th October 2006 October October Graduate Diploma/Master Degree in Environmental Toxicology June May 2009 Chulabhorn Research Institute, 2. Graduate Diploma/Master Degree in Applies Biological Sciences: Environmental Health Short-Term 1. International Training on Environmental and Health Risk Assessment and Management of Toxic Chemicals Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Afghanistan 3. 16th IFNGO ASEAN NGOs Workshop 26th - 30th Bangkok, November Financial and Technical Assistance for 7 Outreach / Drop-in-Centres in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Philippines and June May th - 23rd December 2006 July - December 2006 Chulabhorn Research Institute, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 2. International Training Course on Air Pollution Management 16th January - Mahidol University, 15th February International Training Course on Health, Environment and Development 12th February - 05th March 2007 Chulabhorn Research Institute, 4. International Training Course on Hazardous Waste Management 23rd April - Mahidol University, 18th May International Training Course on Biotechnology for Toxic Assessment and Control June 2007 Chulabhorn Research Institute, 6. International Training Course on Environmental Health August 2007 Chulabhorn Research Institute, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Philippines, 7

8 UPCOMING EVENTS Long Term Fellowship Master of Rural Development Management Master of Public Health in Health System Development Master of Science in Agricultural Systems Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering One year (academic year 2007), starting October 2007 One year (academic year 2007), starting June 2007 Two years (academic year 2007/2008), starting June 2007 Two years (academic year 2007/2008), starting June 2007 Khon Kaen University, Chulalongkorn University, Chiang Mai University, Kasetsart University, 5. Master of Science in Horticulture Two years (academic year 2007/2008), starting June 2007 Maejo University 6. Master of Business Administration One year Asian University, (academic year 2007), starting August International Training Course on Community Based Micro-Finance and Income Generation Management for Poverty Alleviation 4. for Private Sector Development (PPSD) August 2007 Training on Industry Development Policy October Training on International Trade, WTO & FTA April 2007 Seoul, Korea 2. Training on SMEs Promotion Policy June 2007 Seoul, Korea Bangkok Seoul, Korea The Colombo Plan Focus is published by THE COLOMBO PLAN SECRETARIAT P.O. Box 596, 13th Floor, BoC Merchant Tower, 28, St. Michael s Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka. Telephone: (94 11) (Auto), Fax: (94 11) info@colombo-plan.org Website: TO Mr./Mrs/Miss: 8