Global Development Learning Network Asia Pacific (GDLN AP) organized its annual general meeting in New Delhi, India, hosted by GDLN center of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI- DLC). The meeting took place from 05 to 10 December 2011. BRAC University is the only GDLN Affiliated center in Bangladesh and Ms. Fahima Khanam Assistant Director, IT, attended in that GDLN AP regional general meeting. More than 40 representatives from South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific have gathered in TERI, New Delhi to discuss how the region could boost its provision of knowledge exchange and capacity building through the Global Development Learning Network and updated each other their on ongoing programs.
GDLN connects the world through learning. It is a partnership of recognized global institutions which collaborate in the design of customized learning solutions for individuals and organizations working in development. Through tailored learning programs, knowledge and technical assistance programs and state of the art videoconferencing and internet-based learning, GDLN can connect development stakeholders
around the world and bring key resource person for the required field as needed by its clients.
GDLN provides a unique mix of delivery infrastructure, partnership networks, and understanding of how to make effective use of modern information and communication technologies for learning and knowledge exchange. The purpose of our meeting this week has been to share experience on how to make best use of
our network to foster economic and social development in the Asia Pacific region.
The five-day meeting was an opportunity for GDLN Asia Pacific members and partners to assemble and discuss innovative programs and the latest network development and technology enhancement. GDLN Global objectives and strategies were also discussed. An introduction to the status quo was made, and ideas for GDLN global governance and services were presented. The participants discussed how they could work together and what the major differences were between East Asia Pacific region and South Asia region of GDLN.
Meeting attendants were split up into groups and discussed how to create a mechanism of joint programs, what governance is needed, and how this integration was going to benefit both regions. A lot of ideas were raised by all participants. Participants also focused on writing effective proposals. They took the lead from World Bank Institute trainers on thinking more strategically and to look more broadly at clear targets. They were divided into groups, and each group was given a specific scenario for practical simulations. The exercise involved the planning of convincing presentations, teamwork, and competition. Toward the end of the session, the five groups judged each other. It was fun and very educational experience for all the participants.
GDLN began as a World Bank initiative in 1997 but has now grown as a worldwide partnership that includes universities, government institutes and private sector organizations in 120 affiliated centers around the world.
This meeting was an important step for the development learning and knowledge exchange programs in the region and as this meeting was held in South Asia region so it was much more useful for our next activities to this network.