ICHARM held an online seminar on January 30, 2024, to introduce its research and other activities to the staff of the World Bank. This event occurred following a proposal made by Mr. Saroj Kumar Jha, the World Bank's global director of water global practice, when he visited the Public Works Research Institute (PWRI) and had discussions on November 20 last year. There were 29 participants from the World Bank.
PWRI President FUJITA Koichi and Mr. Jha opened the seminar by addressing opening remarks. Mr. Jha made the following comments:
Following the opening remarks, Deputy Director MORI Noriyuki provided an overview of ICHARM’s activities, and its researchers presented their research. The presentations included hydrological analysis, which can also contribute to optimizing dam operations, and technologies to support policymakers in making informed decisions.
The presentations were followed by discussions, in which the participants from both sides talked about the use of satellite data in Africa, where ground data is scarce, the optimization of coordinated operations involving multiple dams, the implementation of a capacity development program at African universities, and a new framework for procurement procedures between the World Bank and ICHARM.
Finally, Ms. Eileen Burke, the World Bank's global lead of water resources management, and Executive Director KOIKE Toshio wrapped up the seminar by addressing closing remarks. Ms. Burke made the following comments:
After the seminar, there were immediate requests for technical support for some World Bank projects, such as one in Nigeria. ICHARM is certain that the seminar was an excellent opportunity to promote its collaboration with the World Bank and also hopes that this will lead to a stronger partnership in the future.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
questions from World Bank participants |