This session focused on what the ADB Accountability Mechanism should look like with the new standalone safeguard standard on climate change under its new Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).

Julio Castor Achmadi, Communities Associate of the Accountability Counsel, cited several cases where communities were not fully involved right from the beginning of the projects and did not approve of the development projects supported by ADB. He noted that accountability mechanisms have not been able to address community concerns. He wondered about the sincerity of the “do no harm policy” of ADB and expressed concern that the new standard may not be effective either. He recommended that ADB ensures that the projects are community-centered and responsive when communities say the projects are not beneficial to them.

In her remarks, Elisea Gozun noted that addressing accountability in climate action will be challenging. The standard requires that noncompliance is direct, and it causes direct material harm. Noncompliance will be difficult to prove as there could be many contributory factors. She noted that ADB will do its best under the new ESF. She also noted that several cases brought to her office are returned due to the eligibility requirement that the complainant must first make a good-faith effort to settle the dispute with project authorities. Donald John Bobiash said that the wheels of justice move slowly and ensure fairness in the ADB interventions and accountability. He noted that to be fair, ADB must do field investigations. He drew attention to the forthcoming accountability review as an opportunity to improve the current system.

Rayyan Hassan stressed the need for more rigorous risk assessments and cautioned against under-categorization of projects. He emphasized the need to listen to affected communities and to stop projects that do not have community approval. Nianshan Zhang pointed out that, given the ADB’s Accountability Mechanism, his office tries to do a thorough job of implementing safeguards and minimizing complaints. He noted that the new climate standard will be challenging, and it will be important to make people aware of the safeguard policy and guidelines and to learn from experience.

During the discussions, ADB Managing Director Woochong Um thanked civil society organizations and the Accountability Mechanism officials for their respective roles in helping to improve the mechanism. He acknowledged that mistakes in the past were made but emphasized that ADB has learned from experience. He would like to see more emphasis placed on problem solving.

Content originally published at https://www.adb.org/annual-meeting/2024/events/climate-accountability