2023年度修了生｜論文コース
松下 昂永さん（三村小松法律事務所 弁護士）
論文タイトル：“Deepening the “Right to Information” Guarantee as Seen in the Philippine Local Government FOI System”
※優秀賞（Excellent Paper）受賞

これまで専門的に開発協力分野で専門的に活動してきた人ではなく、これから開発協力に携わりたい、または開発協力分野へのキャリアチェンジを考えている人におすすめしたいと思います。論文を書くという経験を含めてですが、自分の関心を掘り下げる非常に良い機会になります。海外の方たちとの交流も持てますし、自分のキャリアを変える一つのきっかけになると思います。授業の内容もよく練りこまれており、無理なく学べるような制度になっていますので、ぜひ日本の研修生ももっと増えてほしいと思っています。

（動画の内容を一部抜粋）

── 受講を決めた理由を教えて下さい。

国際協力分野で、調達・総務という実務の立場から開発課題に関わり続ける中で、実務上の疑問を理論的に整理する必要性を感じていました。省庁および国際機関での業務経験を踏まえ、制度や政策の背景を学術的に理解できる点に魅力を感じ、IDEASへの参加を決めました。

── 具体的な学びや成果、記憶に残る授業など、受講後の感想を教えてください。

因果推論や開発ミクロ経済学、統計分析を、政策や実際の事例と結びつけて学べた点が印象的でした。特に統計分析とR言語入門のモジュールでは、UNDPが公開しているHDI^*データを用いて分析を実践し、理解を深めることができました。また、「教育と開発」のレポートでは、バングラデシュの教育分野について世界銀行やUNICEFのデータを用いて分析し、数字から課題を整理した経験が強く記憶に残っています。

* 注：HDI (Human Development Index): 国連開発計画（UNDP）が人間開発報告書で報告している、各国の一人あたり国民総所得（GNI）、教育、平均寿命を反映する人間開発の総合的指標。

── 他の研修生とはどのようなつながりがありましたか？また現在もつながりがある場合はどういったつながりですか？

アジア・アフリカの中堅実務者と、学業面だけでなく日常的な情報交換や議論を行いました。2025年10月末の対面イベントやグループワークを通じた交流は刺激的で、修了後も国際開発に関するイベントの情報共有や雑談が続いています。

── 今後の仕事にどのように役立てる予定ですか？

調達・ICT支援・総務業務において、施策の背景や前提条件を整理し、全体を分かりやすく捉える力として活かしていきたいと考えています。IDEASで学んだ因果関係を意識した考え方は、物事の判断や意思決定を行う際の助けになると感じています。

── イデアス研修プログラムをどのような人にお勧めしたいですか？

一定の実務経験があり、現場の疑問を理論的に掘り下げたい方に適したプログラムです。多忙な中でも学びに向き合える方にとって、大きな価値があると思います。

What drew me to the IDEAS programme was a combination of professional necessity and honest self-awareness. Working in an industrial policy environment, I operate at the intersection of investment promotion, trade and export facilitation. I believed I understood South Africa’s constraints well, but much of my thinking had been shaped by local policy debates and assumptions about development. I had never rigorously tested those assumptions against how other economies had confronted, and in some cases overcome, similar challenges.

The Japanese and broader Asian industrialisation experience appealed to me because of its deliberateness. The Asian experience provides a rich set of contexts in which industrialisation has unfolded, offering varied examples shaped by different institutional, geographic and political realities. IDE-JETRO stood out for grounding research in real developmental questions. Joining IDEAS felt less like returning to school and more like entering a conversation I had long been seeking.

What I underestimated was how demanding that conversation would be. The programme required intellectual rigour that left no room for familiar narratives. Prof. Makino’s sessions on causal inference were particularly instructive, which were a disciplined insistence on following the data, even when conclusions are inconvenient. The lively class discussions that complemented the lecturers’ delivery reinforced this, as ideas were constantly tested and refined in real time. In policy environments where narratives often outpace evidence, this was a necessary corrective.

Some of the most valuable learning happened outside the lecture room. Conversations with peers often extended into leisure time, on the streets of Shinjuku or on train rides into Tokyo. A fellow from Japan challenged my assumptions about affirmative action and redress in South Africa, forcing me to confront tensions I had previously sidestepped. Another, from Côte d’Ivoire, and I found ourselves in repeated disagreement over development finance imperatives; each convinced the other was missing something fundamental. In retrospect, we were both right.

Equally memorable was a conversation with colleagues from Pakistan and Zambia on climate change and the circular economy which centred on an incineration plant that generates electricity while producing usable by-products. What began as a technical discussion opened into deeper questions about trade-offs between sustainability, affordability and political feasibility.

The diversity of the cohort further unsettled my assumptions. Fellows from Laos and Bhutan approached policy from constraints shaped by the constitution of their geographies, small populations, “landlockedness” and unique industrial bases. Even my understanding of what constitutes a country shifted when colleagues from Indonesia and the Philippines spoke about governing thousands of islands across vast maritime territories.

I left the programme more rigorous, more reflective and more aware of the limits of my own knowledge. IDEAS sharpened my ability to assess what translates across contexts, what does not, and why. I would recommend it to anyone willing to be challenged. It is a formative experience, both professionally and personally. In sum, the combination of world-class lecturers/researchers, diverse fellows as well as a supportive secretariat made the programme incomparable to other experiences I have had in the past.

My experience as a Fellow under the IDEAS-Training Program of IDE-JETRO has been both enriching and transformative. The program deepened my understanding of development concepts and provided valuable insights into the diverse development strategies adopted by emerging and developing economies. Through the lectures, discussions, and collaborative learning environment, I gained a broader appreciation of how policy, governance, and investment promotion can be tailored to address different national and local contexts.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the program was the opportunity to learn alongside representatives from various countries. Engaging with fellows from different backgrounds allowed me to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by developing economies, while also exposing me to innovative and practical approaches to investment promotion and economic development. These exchanges encouraged a more collaborative and globally informed perspective that I can apply in my professional work.

Beyond the classroom, living in Japan allowed me to experience firsthand the tangible results of long-term development, effective governance, and strong public institutions. From efficient public transportation systems to orderly urban planning and community-oriented services, I was able to observe how development policies translate into everyday life and improve the welfare of people. This made the learning experience more meaningful, as we were not only studying development theories and strategies academically, but also witnessing their impact in practice.

The study visit to the Chiba Prefectural Government was particularly inspiring, as it demonstrated effective local governance practices and strategies for regional development and investments facilitation. The experience opened new ideas and possibilities that I hope to adapt in working with local government units in the Philippines, particularly in promoting ease of doing business and strengthening local investment ecosystems.

Another valuable aspect of the program was the camaraderie and strong network formed among the fellows. Despite coming from different countries and professional backgrounds, our batch developed lasting friendships and meaningful professional connections that continue even after the program. We remain active in communicating with one another, supporting each other’s initiatives, and some of us have even traveled together in other countries after the program. I believe this reflects one of the important goals of the IDEAS-Training Program: fostering not only academic learning, but also international understanding, cooperation, and enduring partnerships among future development leaders.

I am sincerely grateful to IDE-JETRO for this invaluable opportunity. The program has not only enhanced my professional knowledge and perspective, but has also strengthened my commitment to contributing to inclusive and sustainable development in the Philippines. I highly encourage future applicants and development practitioners to join the program, as it offers a unique opportunity for both professional growth and meaningful international engagement that extends far beyond the duration of the training itself.

── 受講を決めた理由を教えて下さい。

法整備支援に興味を持ち弁護士を志しましたが、実際に弁護士となった後、動画配信サービスの法務部や法律事務所で主に知的財産分野の業務に携わってきました。改めて、弁護士として法整備支援や開発経済に関する知識を身につけ、今後の仕事につなげたいと考え、受講を決めました。

── 具体的な学びや成果、記憶に残る授業など、受講後の感想を教えて下さい。

特に印象に残っているのは、関税などの貿易政策が途上国の経済発展に与える影響についての授業です。これまで自分が扱ってこなかった分野について体系的に学べたことで、開発経済への理解が深まりました。

── 海外からの研修生とはどのような交流ができましたか。

これまで留学経験がなく、英語でのディスカッションにも不安がありましたが、テーマ設定からやりとりを重ね、実際に対面で議論できたことは大変貴重な経験でした。海外の行政官から直接聞くことができた各国の現状や課題について、深い学びを得ることもできました。

── イデアス研修プログラムをどのような人にお勧めしたいですか。

授業内容は非常に分かりやすく、開発協力分野での実務経験がない方でも安心して学べます。今後のキャリアで開発分野への関与を考えている方や、少しでも関心のある方にはぜひ受講をおすすめします。

In my previous role, I worked as an Investment Analyst at the UNCDF (United Nations Capital Development Fund) Zambia. During that time, a software provider approached us with a proposal to explore the use of cloud-based SaaS solutions to improve domestic tax revenue in Zambia. Having previously spent about five years in a startup company working on business development for SaaS products, I found the initiative personally compelling. However, due to the limited duration of my assignment, the discussion ended prematurely, and I was left with a sense of unfinished business. When I later came across the IDEAS program, I saw it as a valuable opportunity to further explore how technology can contribute to improving fiscal conditions in Africa, and that motivated me to enroll.

In the thesis track, each student was assigned an academic advisor who provides frequent guidance on the direction of the thesis. Thanks to this, I received valuable advice ranging from the basic principles of academic writing to more advanced input on how to refine the content of my thesis. Additionally, I had the opportunity to speak online with several local cloud service vendors, through which I learned about successful cases in countries like Uganda and Ghana. These discussions gave me a clearer picture of the practical potential for applying SaaS systems on the ground.

I had the opportunity to connect with research fellows from a wide variety of countries. There were occasions for group work as well as regular, informal communication. Although I was often busy with my primary job during the day, conversations with fellow IDEAS participants provided a refreshing and meaningful break.

In my current role, I primarily work on government-related projects, including Official Development Assistance (ODA). Many of these projects are digital in nature, which directly aligns with efforts to expand digital technologies in developing countries. When writing my thesis, I did not limit my focus to a single African country—instead, I began by conducting a systematic cross-country analysis of digital trends. This approach has also laid the foundation for providing macroeconomic advisory support when assisting companies with their market entry into Africa.

I believe this program is particularly well-suited for those aspiring to pursue careers in international cooperation or research roles related to global affairs. The faculty members are highly knowledgeable in their respective fields, making it easy to receive precise and insightful feedback during class discussions. For those seeking to deepen their expertise, this program offers an excellent environment for further learning.

Participating in the IDEAS Program was a profoundly enriching experience that transformed both my academic outlook and professional aspirations. Coming from a non-economics background, I initially approached the program with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. However, the well-structured curriculum and supportive environment empowered me to grasp complex economic and policy concepts with confidence. The coursework not only provided foundational knowledge in development economics but also encouraged fellows to think critically, speak thoughtfully, and engage in meaningful discussions.

One of the most memorable aspects of the program was the one-month training in Japan. Through field visits to JETRO Headquarter and government institutions, classroom learning was brought vividly to life. These hands-on experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for how policy is implemented in practice and how cultural context shapes development strategies. The IDEAS Secretariat and IDE-JETRO supervisors were also instrumental in making the program so impactful. Their exceptional support ensured that each fellow could thrive. They created an inclusive and collaborative learning environment that encouraged growth, dialogue, and international friendship.

Equally unforgettable was the bond I formed with fellow participants from across Asia, Africa, and Japan. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we connected through shared experiences, mutual respect, and a commitment to understanding global development challenges. These friendships and exchanges broadened my perspective and continue to inspire me both personally and professionally.

To future participants, especially those without an academic background in economics, I encourage you to approach the IDEAS Program with openness and determination. Engage actively, ask questions, and embrace every opportunity to learn and connect. This program is not only an academic experience, but also a transformative journey that will expand your worldview and empower your career path in meaningful ways.