Colombo Plan celebrates 72nd Anniversary

Colombo Plan celebrates 72nd Anniversary

This year, the 72nd anniversary of The Colombo Plan was commemorated with grand celebrations at the Colombo Galle Face Hotel premises. The event was presided over by His Excellency Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media. His Excellency Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes the secretary general of The Colombo Plan presented the minister with a special commemorative edition of The Colombo Plan coffee table book illustrating the lasting impact of the organization worldwide at this momentous occasion.

The occasion drew a large gathering, including representatives and delegates from Colombo Plan member countries and observers as well as members of the diplomatic community.

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HE Secretary General delivers opening remarks at the “Creative Industry, Economic Recovery, Fashion, Craft, Indonesian Presidency, G20”

The Training Programme “Creative Industry, Economic Recovery, Fashion, Craft, Indonesian Presidency, G20” was held from 20th September to 30th September 2022 at Bali, Indonesia in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and The Colombo Plan. The Implementing Agency. Directorate General of Small, Medium and Multifarious Industry Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia. A total of 19 government officials from ten Colombo Plan member countries from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka took part in this training programme.

HE Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes delivered following opening remarks at the Inauguration ceremony on 20th September 2022

I take this opportunity to convey my gratitude and sincere thanks to the Government of Indonesia, especially the Director General for the Small, Medium and Multifarious Industry, under the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia for organizing this timely initiative. As you all know, most of our respective economies suffered due to the pandemic and this is the most opportune time to start the recovery process.

As most countries represented in this activity are members of Colombo Plan, I am sure you are familiar with our unique organization which was established in 1951. The Colombo Plan with its history of 71 years, is one of the oldest regional intergovernmental organizations. It was conceived to enhance economic and social development of the countries in the region which were mostly devastated by World War II. Australia, Canada, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom were the founding countries, but now, it has expanded to 28 member countries including non-Commonwealth countries and countries belonging to regional groupings such as South-East Asia, South Asia and the Asia-Pacific. Most of the partnership initiatives that we do, follow the concept of self-help and mutual help in achieving development with focus on human resource capacity-enhancement and south-south cooperation. Which brings us to why we are all here.

As you all know, this knowledge -sharing program on enhancing Small to Medium Industry has had six batches already, with the first ever training activity held in October 2016. We offered the training programmes that were planned in the year 2020 and 2021 on-line virtually because of COVID. But now that the restrictions have been more relaxed, and after a two-year break from face-to-face engagements, the Government of Indonesia has graciously organized this training programme in Bali. Since 2016, Indonesia has been providing these training programmes that have benefited 380 participants from Colombo Plan member governments. I was informed that in this training, we have nineteen participants representing ten member countries of the Colombo Plan.

The program aims to highlight the success stories of creative industries and on how they contribute to the economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also aligned with the new Indonesian G20 Presidency in 2022, which highlights economic recovery as one of the priorities of the government. In the coming days ahead, the program will help participants to be more aware of policies and strategies in promoting SMIs especially the creative industry sub-sector and how competitiveness in the global market can be enhanced.”

I urge all participants to make maximum use of this training program, so that you too could be contributing to the efforts of your own country's SMI initiatives.

On behalf of the member countries and the Colombo Plan Secretariat allow me to reiterate my deep appreciation and gratitude, to the Government of Indonesia and our implementing partner, the Directorate General of Small, Medium and Multifarious Industry. Likewise let's thank all the staff members involved in this activity, for your hard work, support, collaboration, and efficient implementation of the program.

I wish you all success in the program. Enjoy the activities ahead!

Thank you!

GCCC marks successful completion of examinations

The Global Centre for Credentialing and Certification [GCCC] of Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP) conducted several examinations in the month of August 2022. ICAP Treatment, Prevention & Recovery Support examinations were conducted across five countries. Both Prevention & Recovery Support were pilot examinations. Further, an Award of Excellence was presented to The National Narcotics Board of the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesian: Badan Narkotika Nasional) or BNN for their outstanding achievement in Addiction Services.

South Africa:
GCCC conducted three ICAP examinations in South Africa in the month of August 2022 as follows:
ICAP Treatment Examinations on 15 August 2022 in Johannesburg, South Africa (Paper & Pencil Examination)
• ICAP Treatment I : 96 Candidates
• ICAP Treatment II : 12 Candidates
ICAP Treatment Examination on 22 August 2022 in Limpopo, South Africa (Online Centre-based Examination)
• ICAP Treatment I : 35 Candidates
• ICAP Treatment II : 2 Candidates
ICAP Treatment Examination on 26 August 2022 in Northern Cape, South Africa (Online Centre-based Examination)
• ICAP Treatment I : 9 Candidates
• ICAP Treatment II: 3 Candidates


Pakistan

Prevention I Pilot Examination on 17 August 2022 in Islamabad, Pakistan: 54 Candidates

HE Secretary General delivers opening remarks at the  “South-South and Triangular Essential Training Program on Provision Climate Information for Sectors”

A Virtual Training Programme was held from 15th to 26th August 2022 titled “South-South and Triangular Essential Training Program on Provision Climate Information for Sectors” under the theme, “Building of Climate Change and Food Security Resilience through the Climate Field School for Agriculture”,  in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and The Colombo Plan. With the Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG), as implementing partner, a total of 25 government officials from  nine Colombo Plan member countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Lao PDR,  Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea , Sri Lanka,  and Vietnam) participated in the training programme. The capacity-building activity aimed to improve information dissemination and enhance meteorological services of government agencies to mitigate issues brought about by climate change.

HE Dr.  Benjamin P. Reyes  delivered the following opening remarks at the Inauguration ceremony on 22nd August 2022

I feel honored and happy to participate in the opening ceremony of the “South-South and Triangular Essential Training Programme on Provision of Climate Information for Sectors” under the theme: Building of Climate Change and Food Security Resilience through Provision Climate Information organized for the Colombo Plan Member Countries. This training session is facilitated  in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) and the Colombo Plan Secretariat

On behalf of the Colombo Plan members governments and the Colombo Plan Secretariat, I wish to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to the Government of Indonesia for its commitment in the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Programmes and its sustainability. These training programmes are carried out as a part of the “Arrangement” signed between the Government of Indonesia and the Colombo Plan Secretariat last May 2021. Indonesia has been providing training programmes since 2016 and close to 360 participants from Colombo Plan member governments have benefited through these training programmes.  Those who have attended the training sessions previously, are already contributing to the development of their own respective country policy and programs by sharing the knowledge and best practices gained in attending these training sessions.

As most of the participants in this training represent the member countries of the Colombo Plan, understand that I admire your commitment and interest in  the scope of this training’s activities. The Colombo Plan with its history of 71 years is one of the oldest regional intergovernmental organizations that dates far back to 1950, when the idea was first conceived to enhance economic and social development of the countries of the region. The Colombo Plan was established on 1st July 1951 by Australia, Canada, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom and currently it has expanded to 28 member countries including non-Commonwealth countries and countries belonging to regional groupings such as South-East Asia, South Asia and the Asia-Pacific. It is based on the partnership concept for self-help and mutual help in achieving development with focus on human resource capacity-enhancement and south-south cooperation. While recognizing the need for physical capital to provide the lever for growth, the Colombo Plan also emphasize the need to raise the skill level to assimilate and utilize the physical capital more efficiently.  

 Colombo Plan endeavors to enhance Human Resource Development initiatives in the member countries through its Capacity Building Programmes and Programme for Environment. This training session is carried out under its program on Environment, and  was originally launched in 2005 as part of the Program for Public Administration.  Subsequently, it was recognized as an independent programme and re-named it as the Program for Environment and Climate Change (ECC) at the  45th Consultative Committee Meeting held in Fiji in 2016.  

Today, climate condition is an important factor affecting societies and livelihood of people.   The global climate situation is changing at an unprecedented rate. Needless to say,  global warming is believed to be affecting human activities.   A United Nations article on climate adaptation (Climate adaptation,  United Nations)  emphasizes on gearing up for big changes.  It suggests that countries should gear up on a greater scale adaptation which means, our economies and societies will need to be better prepared and more resilient to climate impacts.    The governments will require large-scale efforts put in place. Infrastructures must be adapted to withstand higher temperatures and more powerful storms. Some cities on coastlines may have to establish systems to prevent flooding in streets and underground transport.  It is important that our business and major industries concentrate and plan around climate risks.

Of course, these large-scale efforts will be challenging for poor and developing countries that are battling to raise enough resources for basic requirements such as healthcare and education.  Which leaves us with the option to also investigate what we can do as individuals to mitigate climate issues at our level.  Simple measures, like planting or preserving trees around our homes will help to keep temperatures cooler inside of our homes. Environmental awareness and concern must be cultivated in our communities and families to effect change.

It is vital that proper information on this concern must be disseminated to stakeholders.   Climate services, and collective efforts of national meteorological services and their counterparts aimed to provide a targeted impact-based analyses, forecasts, and customized services for specific users, must be sustained.

I sincerely hope that you benefit from this training programme and improve your knowledge of climate information to support your respective sectoral activities. Kindly take these learning to your respective countries to support sectoral climate resilience and cultivate concern for the environment.

Finally, once again, I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude on behalf of the member countries and the Colombo Plan Secretariat, to the Government of Indonesia for a very timely initiative in providing this training programme virtually for the member countries of the Colombo Plan. Hopefully we can have this activity on a face-to-face basis soon.

I wish you all success in the programme.

Thank you!

The 8th Secretary General of the Colombo Plan assumes duties at the Secretariat

HE Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes assumed office in Colombo as the 8th Secretary General of the Colombo Plan on 3rd May 2022.

Dr. Reyes has had a long and varied career in public service as a Career Executive Service (CES) of the Government of Philippines for more than 24 years with significant experience and contribution in policy development, strategic formulation and program management fostering cooperation with various organizations. He has also held high profile positions such as Permanent Member and Undersecretary of the Dangerous Drug Board of the Philippines. He has also served in the position of Commissioner representing the Philippines for the Global Center for Credentialing and Certification (GCCC), the Credentialing Arm of the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program.

Dr. Reyes has graduated from the University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry in 1994 as Doctor of Dental Medicine. He has a Master’s degree in Public Health- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Tracking awarded by University of the Philippines in the year 1998. Further, he holds a Master’s degree (Dean’s List) in Development Management awarded by Asian Institute of Management in the year 2010.

As the Secretary General, Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes, has a vision during his tenure for the next four years to transform the Organization to “An efficient and more responsive Colombo Plan to champion change and development” and to implement mechanisms that would oversee the effective administration, implementation and promote sustainable development goals for the following four programs of the Colombo Plan:

He is also of the opinion that the pandemic has hurt the economies of most member countries worldwide and that the Colombo Plan must extend efforts to minimize impact and support initiatives to develop resilience of affected member countries.

He believes in motivating people towards achieving organizational goals and giving emphasis and importance to values such as commitment, integrity, and competence. He believes leading by example should be the norm and common to successful organizations is the presence of leaders who inspire people and execute sound management.

As the 8th Secretary General, he is looking forward to sharing these efforts with every member state of the Colombo Plan family and extending his assurances to support for the organizational goals at all levels. He firmly believes that an efficient and well-managed organization will definitely draw donor and beneficiary support and satisfaction.

HE Secretary General Participates in Knowledge Sharing Program on Enhancing the Development of Small and Medium Industry

Knowledge Sharing Program on Enhancing the Development of Small and Medium Industry- “The Innovations of Women Entrepreneurs to Empower Community during COVID-19 Pandemic” was held from 13th -17th September 2021. 61 participants from Colombo Plan Member statues, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam took part in this virtual training program.

  

HE Secretary General delivers opening remarks at a Knowledge Sharing Program of Training of Trainers on Climate Field School for Colombo Plan Member Countries

A Virtual Training Program from 23rd to 27th August 2021 titled, Knowledge Sharing Program of Training of Trainers on Climate Field School for Colombo Plan Member Countries 2021, under the Theme “Building of Climate Change and Food Security Resilience through the Climate Field School for Agriculture” is facilitated in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and The Colombo Plan. The Implementing Agency being INDONESIAN AGENCY FOR METEOROLOGY, CLIMATOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS (BMKG). 30 government officials from Colombo Plan member countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam participates in the event.

The purpose of the training is to provide participants from the Colombo Plan countries with an opportunity to update relevant approach and knowledge on the philosophy and main activities in understanding and practicing of climate information to support agricultural activities for climate resilient and food security through Training of Trainers on Climate Field School Program.   

HE Ambassador Dr. Phan Kieu Thu delivered following opening remarks at the Inauguration ceremony on 23rd August 2021.

I feel honoured and happy to participate in the opening ceremony of Training of Trainers on Climate Field School for Colombo Plan Member Countries, in a collaboration between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and Colombo Plan Secretariat and the Implementing Agency: INDONESIAN AGENCY FOR METEOROLOGY, CLIMATOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS.

At the outset, I wish to express my sincere gratitude and thanks on behalf of the Colombo Plan Secretariat to the Government of Indonesia for its commitment and sustainability in the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Program. The Program is expected to be sustainable for a 3 year period (2019-2022) for different participants. Besides these programs, Indonesia has been an integral part in the efforts of capacity building and collaborating with the Colombo Plan over the years and in strengthening the capacity building of our member countries. Today, those who have already had their trainings in Indonesia are contributing to the development of their own countries by sharing the knowledge and training they have gathered.

As we all know, The Colombo Plan with its history of 70 years is one of the oldest regional inter-governmental organizations, dates far back as 1950, when the idea was first conceived to enhance economic and social development of the countries of the region. The Colombo Plan was established on 1st July 1951 by Australia, Canada, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom and currently it has expanded to 27 member countries including non-Commonwealth countries and countries belonging to regional groupings such as South-East Asia, South Asia and the Asia Pacific. The Colombo Plan is a partnership concept of self-help and mutual-help in development aimed at socio-economic progress of its member countries in the Asia and the Pacific.

The Colombo Plan gives much emphasis in developing institutional capacity in the member countries. The Colombo Plan’s Capacity Building Program remains as a primary concern and integrating capacity building initiatives and programs in our member countries. Therefore, it goes without saying that capacity building is a country’s core contribution to development.

Today one of the most discussed subjects in the world is the threat of climate change. Every part of the world is facing the dire consequences of climate change. Disaster after disaster is taking place around the world as a result of climate change. With Climate change, agricultural production and food security is likely to face serious challenges in our times. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economic growth in most of the member countries of the Colombo Plan. And knowledge to face the challenges on that is the base for survival.

I am happy to note the contribution of the Climate Field School in this context and how it is gearing to bridge the gap of farmer’s knowledge of climate information, particularly on site, through a training process. Also, it aims to raise the farmers’ awareness of weather/climate information and its impact, in order to reduce crop loss. Developing an effective method for communicating climate (forecast) information to the end-users like farmers are indeed very essential. Learning by doing and learning by experiencing the process serves as an effective process for transferring climate knowledge or climate information to farmers.

This training program provides the participants of the Colombo Plan member countries with an opportunity to update themselves on the relevant approach and knowledge of the philosophy and main activities, in understanding and practicing of climate information to support agricultural activities for climate resilient and food security through Training of Trainers on Climate Field School Program and be able to plan the implementation of the knowledge and apply them in their own countries.

With this training course, the participants are expected to improve their knowledge and skills in learning Techniques - Basic knowledge of weather and climate parameters - Basic of precipitation process - Introduction to weather instruments and simple rain gauge - Climate information, monthly and seasonal forecast - Climate extreme, climate variability and their impact to agriculture - Cropping Calendar / Standing Crop - Indigenous Knowledge of Agriculture - Understanding of climate field school program to disseminate weather/climate information to farmers.

With Covid 19 pandemic, we are gearing to face the challenges of a “new normal” existence. The Virtual training programs are one of it. These virtual training programs are now meeting with immense success. I request all participants to make use of this opportunity given to you to the maximum and apply the knowledge that you gain from it for sustainable stability and capacity building of your own home country.

Finally, once again I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude on behalf of the Colombo Plan, to the Government of Indonesia for a very timely initiative in providing this training program virtually for the member countries of the Colombo Plan. Also a special thank you to Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics and to the Colombo Plan Focal Point for their efficient contribution to make this happen.

I wish you all success in the program. Thank you.

47th Consultative Committee Meeting

The Consultative Committee Meeting (CCM), which is traditionally the highest policy making body of the Colombo Plan had its first ever virtual Consultative Committee meeting from 10th -12th August 2021 graciously hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka.  Twenty-six Colombo Plan member countries attended the three-day sessions. The proceedings took place in a virtual format, due to the ongoing Covid19 Pandemic as many member states continued to struggle with the health, social and economic challenges.

Welcome address was made by Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, followed by the Address of the President of the Colombo Plan Council and the Address by H.E Ambassador Dr. Phan Kieu Thu, Secretary General of the Colombo Plan.

Hon. Mr Dinesh Gunawardena Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka graced occasion as the Chief Guest and made the Inaugural Address. His inaugural speech can be accessed via the following link: https://mfa.gov.lk/47th-consultative-committee/

Hon. Mr Dinesh Gunawardena Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka addressing the CCM
Hon. Mr Dinesh Gunawardena Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka addressing the CCM
Hon. Mr Dinesh Gunawardena Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka addressing the CCM
Hon. Mr Dinesh Gunawardena Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka addressing the CCM
H.E Ambassador Dr. Phan Kieu Thu, Secretary General of the Colombo Plan addressing the CCM.
H.E Ambassador Dr. Phan Kieu Thu, Secretary General of the Colombo Plan addressing the CCM

Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia and the Colombo Plan Secretariat signs an arrangement

An Arrangement between the Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia and the Colombo Plan Secretariat was signed on 4th May 2021 on South-South and Triangular Cooperation Programs to capacity building and/or knowledge sharing programs for Colombo Plan member countries. The programmes will include, but not limited to, the following specific areas as mutually agreed by the Parties.

  1. Climate Change Adaptation, Environment and Disaster Risk Management.
  2. Small and Medium Industry.
  3. Women and Children’s Rights and Protection.
  4. Innovation and Knowledge Management