ADB conducted a comprehensive review and update of its Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) approved in 2009, as part of its commitment to continue supporting the inclusive and sustainable development of Asia and the Pacific. The update seeks to modernize the policy, considering the changing development context and evolving developing member country (DMC) and client needs and capacities; as well as opportunities for greater harmonization with the policy principles and standards of other multilateral financial institutions (MFI). The update considered the diversity of ADB lending modalities and operations, including the private sector, as well as requirements for different contexts such as fragile and conflict affected situations (FCAS), small island developing states (SIDS), emergency assistance, cross cutting and thematic issues as well as emerging topics. Overall, the policy update sought to strengthen safeguard implementation effectiveness and efficiency, in ways that will enhance beneficial safeguards outcomes for the environment and affected people.
This update process is underpinned by a robust stakeholder engagement plan prepared after an iterative process with government partners, private sector clients and civil society organizations. Before embarking on this very important process of engaging with a diverse group of stakeholders, ADB is organizing a series of preliminary information sessions to disseminate and solicit feedback on ADB’s approach to the safeguard policy review and the stakeholder engagement plan (SEP). The SEP is guided by the principles of meaningful stakeholder engagement and presents ADB stakeholder mapping and analysis; the consultation plan; and the communication plan, which are collectively designed to foster inclusive, transparent, and informed engagement throughout the SPS review and update process.
ADB led preliminary information sessions in April and May 2021. Webinars targeted CSO stakeholders in Asia and the Pacific, CSO stakeholders in North America and Europe, government stakeholders, and representatives of other development finance institutions. The webinars followed the same agenda but will be tailored to each target audience.
In advance of the webinars, ADB released a draft summary of the SEP on its website. The SEP will be presented during the session, and questions and concerns about this was addressed during the Q&A portion of the program. Participants sent their inquiries and comments about the SEP in advance via email or live during the event.
Visit the Safeguards Policy Review and Update Data Room for more.
(Previous event page is here).
Session / Activity | Title | Speaker(s) |
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April 2021 | Draft Stakeholder Engagement Plan | |
12 April 2021 | Video Recording: Preliminary Information Session for Asia and the Pacific | |
Slide Presentation | ||
13 April 2021 | Video Recording: Preliminary Information Session for North America and Europe | |
Slide Presentation |
Session / Activity | Title | Speaker(s) |
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18 May 2021 | Video Recording: Preliminary Information Session for Government stakeholders from DMCs of South,Central and West Asia | Passcode: B.mK9m7u] |
Slide Presentation | ||
19 May 2021 | Video Recording: Preliminary Information Sessions for Government stakeholders from DMCs of East & Southeast Asia and Pacific | |
Slide Presentation |
Disclaimer
The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.
Event Coordinator/s
- Madhumita Gupta
ADB Organizer/s
- Office of Safeguards
Topics
- Environment
- Governance and Public Sector Management
- Social Development and Protection