Mr. Ryutaro Kobayashi is a distinguished international development professional with a career spanning more than two decades, dedicated to advancing sustainable development and global cooperation.
Beginning his tenure at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) immediately after earned his Master’s Degree in Fisheries from the Tokyo University of Fisheries, Mr. Kobayashi contributed to Japan’s efforts in environmental sustainability and rural development through roles in the Global Environment Department and the Rural Development Department of the Fisheries Development Division. He further honed his expertise at the JICA Hokuriku Branch Office and served as a project coordinator for the Philippine Community-Based Forest Management Project. Mr Kobayashi will be speaking on Day 1, in the breakout session on “Understanding the global civil society landscape and placing volunteering within it.”
His career continued to evolve as Representative of the JICA Philippines Office, Senior Development Policy Planning Officer at the International Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Director of Southeast Asia Division. He later assumed leadership roles as Senior Representative in the Vietnam Office and as Chief Representative in the Palau Office. Currently, Mr. Kobayashi serves as Director of the Program Operation Division at the Secretariat of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, where his strategic vision and extensive experience drive forward development initiatives.
