The Asian Development Bank (ADB) initiated an update of its 2009 Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) in August 2020 following a corporate evaluation by ADB’s Independent Evaluation Department last May 2020. The ongoing update seeks to modernize the policy in consideration of the changing development context, evolving needs and capacities of developing member countries and clients, and opportunities for greater harmonization with the policies of other multilateral financial institutions. 

The draft Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) was disclosed on 7 September 2023 and was open for public comments until 6 May 2024. Civil society organizations (CSOs) submitted written comments through email and ADB website. The submissions and stakeholder feedback from extensive consultations were considered in the process of revising the Environmental and Social Framework, which was disclosed on 26 September 2024. 

A Stakeholder Feedback Report for Phase 3 of the Safeguard Policy Review and Update is also available here.