Institute for Comparative Studies in Local Governance (COSLOG) conducted an international symposium titled “Decentralization and Local Communities: Participation, Collaboration and Better Governance” at GRIPS building on March 5th, 2008. Following the keynote speech (Dr. Wataru Omori , Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo), speakers from five countries, Philippines (Dr. Alex B. Brillantes Jr., University of the Philippines), China (Dr. Chu Songyan, China National School of Administration), Thailand (Prof. Woothisarn Tanchai, King Prajadhipok’s Institute), South Korea (Dr. Ik-sik Kim, Kyonggi University) and Indonesia (Dr. Bambang P. S. Brodjonegoro, University of Indonesia)made a report on the current situations of the relationship between local governments and local communities under decentralization process in respective countries from the viewpoint of improving governance through participation and collaboration. After these country reports, a panel discussion by all of six speakers was held with Prof. Hiroshi Ikawa (Director of COSLOG) as a moderator.

There were many participants from within and without GRIPS and all enjoyed lively exchanges of opinions. The reception following the symposium also became a place where those who attended could mix and mingle.