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NGO Forum on ADB is a network of Asian civil society organizations advocating for accountability, transparency, and people-centered development in ADB and AIIB projects across Asia and the Pacific. NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE As the Asian Development Bank (ADB) pushes forward with its Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) pilots, civil society organizations and social movements are raising urgent questions. Is the ETM truly advancing a just and sustainable transition, or is it a market-driven strategy that risks perpetuating injustice and corporate impunity? This new paper, developed for the NGO Forum on ADB and its allies, provides an in-depth analysis of the ETM’s evolution, financing structures, and potential risks—offering a vital resource for advocates fighting for climate, labor, gender, and social justice. Grounded in collective insights from years of engagement and resistance, the paper challenges the ADB’s approach, exposing how ETM mechanisms could serve as backdoors for continued fossil fuel financing rather than meaningful climate action. Download Unpacking ADB and AIIB’s False Narrative in COP29 The global climate crisis has undeniably reached alarming levels, with unprecedented record-breaking temperatures. Recent studies showed that June 2024 marked the thirteenth consecutive month of record-high global temperatures and the twelfth month of consistently breaching the 1.5°C threshold pre-industrial levels of surface air temperature. The acceleration of global warming and extreme weather events, particularly in Asia being the most climate-vulnerable region, has brought devastating loss of life and destruction to communities, underlining the urgency of addressing the crisis. The region has experienced its hottest summers, driest winters, and strongest typhoons. In the past months, different countries in Asia were swallowed by severe flooding, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and many others. The prolonged and accelerating high temperatures are just the tip of an iceberg to picture the threats of this ecological crisis globally. Continue reading NGO Forum comments on ADB ESF R-paper Following NGO Forum on ADB network and allies call for redrafting the ADB ESF W-paper we acknowledge the substantial changes made to the current R-paper. We have also appreciated the lengthy in-person discussion held with the Office of the Safeguards team in Manila following the release of the R-paper. We are pleased that some key revisions and additions that were advocated for by civil society that are reflected in the R-paper include – 120-day disclosure period for sovereign projects Common Approach: Commitment to applying the requirements among the co-financiers that are the most stringent or protective of the project-affected persons and/or the environment The Financial Intermediaries annex is now included in the overall ESF framework Read Read Read Read

গাইড বই সম্পদ ব্যাঙ্কওয়াচ | বার্ষিক প্রতিবেদন | বিশেষ প্রকাশনা | প্রকল্প সংক্ষিপ্ত ইউরোপ থেকে টাকা এডিবি জবাবদিহিতা ব্যবস্থা বিপজ্জনক distractions

The CSO’s led by NGO Forum on ADB deemed that this is the right moment to question and probe on the unequal legal privilege of IMMUNITY has allowed the ADB, to act with impunity against the environment, human rights, and self-determined development. Open Call Background Asian People's Call Venue Session ADB-তে NGO ফোরাম 1992 সাল থেকে ব্যাঙ্কের উপর নজরদারি করছে যেগুলি ব্যাপক দারিদ্র্য, বেকারত্ব, জীবিকা হারানো, সামাজিক অস্থিরতা, এবং মানবাধিকার লঙ্ঘনের প্রেক্ষাপটে ADB-এর অর্থায়নে পরিচালিত প্রোগ্রাম এবং প্রকল্পগুলিকে প্রত্যক্ষ করেছে- যা পূর্বের মালিকানাধীন পাবলিক ডোমেইনগুলিকে নিয়ন্ত্রণ করার জন্য ব্যক্তিগত পুঁজির দ্বারা চাপিয়ে দেওয়া হয়েছিল। . বেশ কয়েকটি প্রকল্প যেগুলিকে অসফল বলে গণ্য করা হয়েছে তা হল 335 কিলোমিটার বিস্তৃত রেলওয়ে পুনর্বাসন প্রকল্পে খেমার জনগণের 10 বছরের দুর্দশা কমপক্ষে 4164 পরিবারকে বাস্তুচ্যুত করেছে। টাটা মুন্দ্রা কয়লা প্ল্যান্ট প্রকল্প যার দুর্বল প্রকল্প ব্যবস্থাপনার ফলে দুর্বল পুনর্বাসন স্থান এবং ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত সম্প্রদায়ের জন্য অন্যায্য ক্ষতিপূরণ, সাম্প্রতিক মার্কোপার খনির বিপর্যয়, যা 'বাগটুক' নামক একটি কাঁকড়া প্রজাতির বিলুপ্তির কারণ, এবং Nam Theun 2 বাঁধ যা বাংলাদেশে ভূমিহীনতা এবং নিষ্কাশন সমস্যা সৃষ্টি করেছে। এশিয়ান ডেভেলপমেন্ট ব্যাংকের (এডিবি) 50 বছর পূর্তি হওয়ার সাথে সাথে, এনজিও এবং সিএসওর একটি নেটওয়ার্ক ব্যাঙ্কের প্রতিরোধ ক্ষমতাকে চ্যালেঞ্জ করে একটি প্রচারণা শুরু করেছে, প্রশ্ন জিজ্ঞাসা করেছে এটি কি মূল্যবান? ADB-এর এনজিও ফোরামের নেতৃত্বে CSO-এর মতে, ইমিউনিটি-এর অসম আইনি সুবিধা নিয়ে প্রশ্ন ও তদন্ত করার এটাই সঠিক মুহূর্ত, যা ADB-কে পরিবেশ, মানবাধিকার, এবং স্ব-নির্ধারিত উন্নয়নের বিরুদ্ধে দায়মুক্তির সঙ্গে কাজ করার অনুমতি দিয়েছে। মানবাধিকার ও টেকসই উন্নয়নের দাবি পূরণের প্রয়োজন হলে বহুপাক্ষিক উন্নয়ন ব্যাংকের ক্ষেত্রেও আইনের শাসন প্রযোজ্য হবে। এই আহ্বানের পাশাপাশি এই 50 বছরের ধ্বংসের প্রমাণ বা প্রমাণ হিসাবে কাজ করবে এমন নথি দেওয়ার মাধ্যমে একটি পার্থক্য তৈরি করার জন্য সংস্থা, সম্প্রদায় এবং ব্যক্তিদের জন্য CSO-এর উত্সাহ।

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. এশিয়ান ডেভেলপমেন্ট ব্যাংক (এডিবি) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Safeguards Public Information Policy Accountability Mechanism Strategy 2030 প্রজেক্ট মনিটরিং Latest News Latest Publication ADB Project Tracker Latest Events/Activities Media CSOs from across the Asian Region urge the ADB to Stop Financing False Climate & Energy NGO Forum on ADB is hosting a virtual press conference in the midst of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) 2022. We invite you to join us as civil society groups from across the Asian region collectively urge the ADB to stop financing false climate and energy solutions that undermine inclusive and sustainable community-centered just transitions Read Press Release

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. এশিয়ান ডেভেলপমেন্ট ব্যাংক (এডিবি) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Safeguards Public Information Policy Accountability Mechanism Strategy 2030 প্রজেক্ট মনিটরিং Latest News ADB Project Tracker Media Sign the 1M Petition Civil Society Input and Recommendations on the Stakeholder Engagement Plan Transparent and meaningful consultation guided by international practice is a cornerstone of good governance and informed decision-making. It also embeds a sense of ownership into the development process. International Financial Institutions (IFIs) such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have developed frameworks to strengthen their stakeholder engagement in the recent years. Moreover, the World Bank and EBRD have developed standalone policies and requirements for what constitutes a meaningful stakeholder consultation and engagement. It is imperative that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) strengthens its overall approach to ensure stakeholder engagement is inclusive, transparent and robust. Colleagues who had attended the virtual information sharing session on April 12 and 13 of 2021 organized by the SDCC Department of the ADB and the Consultation Team argued that the webinar formatting chosen had felt disempowering and disengaging. This is because the online format did not allow for full transparency on the participant list of the meeting and the relevant questions asked during the various sessions. This inaccessibility to the participant list is of major concern to stakeholder groups such as civil society organizations (CSOs) and human rights defenders who face a significant risk of retaliation under oppressive regimes. We, as representatives of CSOs, trade unions, and communities around the world hold this review process with utmost importance and attentiveness. While the Bank’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) presents promising reforms, we are disconcerted that the current approach outlined in the present draft has not reflected international good practice and remains amiss on a number of salient issues. Collectively, we raise these points before the process leads to an SPS with tremendous substantial and procedural problems when the current demand is to reform toward international laws, standards, and norms. In pursuit of the shared objective of reforming the safeguard system, we forward our key recommendations: Include a definition of Meaningful Consultation underpinned by duly established policy and practice. The SEP outlines that it is based on “firm principles of meaningful consultation…”(pg.3). Meaningful Consultation should not be organized in a pro forma manner to ‘check a box or to meet an internal requirement. It should be underpinned by a clear matrix that upholds the utmost importance of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) prerequisite criterion recognised in the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and supported by genuine consideration for stakeholders’ views and concerns. We are requesting that the term ‘Meaningful Consultation’ in the SEP be asserted by a clear definition and matrix which draws on duly established policy and practice. A clear definition of Meaningful Consultation can be found in the Safeguards Policy Statement Glossary and states that it is “A process that (i) begins early in the project preparation stage and is carried out on an ongoing basis throughout the project cycle; (ii) provides timely disclosure of relevant and adequate information that is understandable and readily accessible to affected people; (iii) is undertaken in an atmosphere free of intimidation or coercion; (iv) is gender-inclusive and responsive, and tailored to the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups; and (v) enables the incorporation of all relevant views of affected people and other stakeholders into decision makings, such as project design, mitigation measures, the sharing of development benefits and opportunities, and implementation issues.” This definition should underpin the Safeguards Policy Review and Update (SPRU) and the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). Outline a clear, unambiguous plan on offline mechanisms for consultation. The current SEP Draft recognizes inaccessibility to online means of communication for many stakeholders and makes an effort to mention offline mechanisms for consultation. This is not supported by a clear plan of how these stakeholders groups will be reached for consultation, nor does the SEP make clear the schedule for the offline consultations, or the countries it would take place. Good practices of meaningful consultation warrant having an inclusive space for multi-stakeholder engagement. This includes ensuring that prior information is given to the stakeholder group (community or CSOs) in a clear, time-bound manner, and in a language that is easily understandable. To modernize the policy and make sure it upholds the highest social and environmental standards, efforts must be made to consult with Project Affected Persons (PAPs) through offline mechanisms. We urge the Bank to take this into consideration and clearly outline the list of countries it aims to hold offline consultation. Due diligence must be given specifically to projects which have gone into compliance review. Avoid reliance on demand-driven consultation. Demand-driven consultation plans will prove to be problematic as various key thematic dialogues may not be held unless civil society groups themselves proactively reach out to the ADB SDCC and the Consultation Team. The first question which arises is whether the ADB SDCC will be able to conduct a comprehensive outreach on the SEP at the national and global level to ensure that thematic and remote groups across various cultures, languages, and political contexts are aware of the ‘demand driven’ stipulations? In the current context of the pandemic, this seems very unlikely. Without a prescribed list of thematic consultations announced for each country and region, the chances of getting specialized groups to organize dialogue with ADB SDCC on their own volition without compromising their exposure to risk and scrutiny will also be a deterrent for them stepping forward. We strongly recommend the removal of the ‘demand driven’ approach as it potentially passes the burden of convening the consultation solely on the stakeholder and not on the ADB SDCC, the department responsible for convening and managing this update process. There is also a need for wider outreach on direct engagements via different communication formats, including traditional media in case of offline events. Heavy reliance on online means of communication such as social media and websites to advertise for consultation risks losing the critical voices of PAPs and communities living in remote areas. We urge the Bank to make active and reasonable efforts to include traditional means of media such as newspapers and national television advertisements in their communication plan. Meaningfully engage with young people in the consultation process. Consultations with children and young people are important about their experiences, and therefore need to be set up in a child-friendly manner that promotes the rights and respect of the child in a sensitive manner. There should be age-appropriate targeting in terms of setup, information, and messaging as well as promoting participation and inclusivity. For best practices see the Save the Children Child Consultation Toolkit . Include the Private Sector Operations Department in its internal consultation process. The ADB has announced, in its Strategy 2030, an expansion of its private sector portfolio to reach one-third of total Bank operations by 2024. Private sector operations are riddled with noncompliance, transparency, and lack of information disclosure. We have witnessed the death of 6 workers in the PSOD-led project, Nam Ngiep 1, in Laos due to failures in labor safeguarding. Similarly, the Tata Mundra Coal Project led by PSOD had critically endangered marine ecosystems and displaced thousands of local fishermen in 2014. It is imperative that ADB SDCC takes a critical look at ensuring consultations between CSOs and PSOD staff and their respective borrowing clients and subcontractors in the course of this SEP and SPRU. The OHCHR Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights should lie at the heart of this dialogue between the Bank, private sector, and CSOs. Publicize ALL consultation comments and extend the timeline for commenting to 60 days. The SEP mentions that a summary of consultation comments will be disclosed on the SPRU webpage for two weeks. In the absence of a clear matrix on how summaries are prepared, We as CSOs are concerned that this will obscure some of the salient comments and recommendations received during the consultation process. Access to full consultation comments should be made available in addition to the summary of consultation comments to ensure full transparency. We are also requesting that the timeline for commenting is extended to 60 days to make sure that relevant stakeholders groups with minimal comprehension of the English language are able to translate the documents and submit their comments. Extend the timeline for commenting on the draft W-paper and the R-paper and subsequent revisions to a period of two months/ 60 days respectively. Good practices on meaningful consultation stipulate that stakeholders should be given sufficient time to review the information across regions and countries before being asked to express their views. Meaningful inclusion of more urgent safeguards issues supported by coherent analytical studies. We welcome the broadening of the themes to include labor, climate change, and sexual abuse and harassment in the list of analytical studies as a response to the progressing international laws, standards and norms. We urge the Bank to avoid the reliance on the blanket term of ‘vulnerability’ and misuse of terminologies such as ‘crosscutting’ to assess the varying risks affecting different groups such as peoples with disabilities, sexual and gender diverse groups, and children. Due diligence must be given to: Risk of reprisals. The silencing of critical voices through reprisals and retaliations - or the fear thereof - seriously calls into question the possibilities for a consultation to be meaningful: when these critical voices are coming from the ground and would be communicating operational risks, a climate of fear puts operations at risk, too. Similar to the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the ADB needs to have a clear zero tolerance position against reprisals, either as part of the SEP or as a more general statement that the SEP is bound by. In order to operationalise this zero tolerance position, the SEP needs to go beyond just alluding to it in reference to PAPs. It needs to commit to (1) carrying out contextual risks assessments, for all the different contexts in which consultations will be taking place with people deemed to potentially be at risk, looking particularly at reprisal risks, (2) devising measures to mitigate risks identified and finally it needs to include a (3) reprisal response protocol that seeks to use the leverage the bank has to address any reprisal that may occur. Human rights. Despite the IED evaluation recommendation that “the modernized SPS should also clarify the safeguard components of other key ADB objectives, which have increased in importance since the SPS, such as climate risk mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk management, the needs of disabled people, human rights, and supply chains” as well as the increasing human rights challenges and risks in the region, the SEP makes no mention of addressing anything related to human rights. We recommend a dedicated analytical study as well as consultations on the safeguard components of human rights. In 2011, the UN Human Rights Council endorsed the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as a set of guidelines for States and companies to prevent, address and remedy human rights abuses committed in business operations. In 2020, the United Nations Global Compact announced support for mandatory human rights due diligence. The same year, the IGWG developed the second draft of an international legally binding instrument to regulate, in international human rights law, the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises. Currently, hundreds of large businesses, associations & investors in the EU have supported mandatory human rights due diligence legislation. It demonstrates an increasing demand to address human rights in development projects, which the ADB can not ignore. Risk Categorization. The current SEP list of thematic issues for analytical studies should include an evaluation on ADBs Risk Categorization decision making and implementation practice. As per the IEDs findings the ADBs current categorization process lacks a comprehensive risk-based approach. This leads to arbitrary risk assignment. Unless Quality at Entry documentation of a project such as EIA,IEE, SIA, IPSA have gone through layers of independent checks, arbitrary risk assessment and consequent categorization will remain a structural flaw. We urge the Bank to review the Effectiveness of the 2009 Safeguard Policy Statement for an understanding of the historic and systemic flaws plaguing Risk categorisation at the project level. A need for clear distinction between financing modalities and special issues. As outlined before, MDBs such as the ADB have cited their increased focus on promoting transparency in development financing. However, decades of CSO monitoring of private sector & FI Operations by CSOs have shown a lack of transparency. The current scope and objectives of the ‘Financing modalities and special issues’ study does not clearly define what aspects of financing modalities are being assessed adequately. Project implementation in fragile and conflict affected situations (FCAS) and small island developing states (SIDS) is an important issue which should be given due consideration and therefore we urge the Bank to make a clear distinction in its engagement and analytical approach. 11. Maintain resolute consistency with Human Rights Principles. Meaningful stakeholder consultation is enshrined in the international human rights architecture and elucidated across various conventions, resolutions, and declarations. ILO Convention 169 (1989) which deals exclusively with Indigenuous Peoples states that “they shall participate in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of plans and programs… which may affect them directly.” These principles were affirmed in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP 2007) which upholds and emphasizes on the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) prerequisite criterion. Similar principles were also outlined for other groups including The 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child which elucidates that “The child shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds”. ADB should ensure that the financed projects don’t contribute to human rights abuses violations, assaults on local communities and human rights defenders, and shrinking civil society space. The Bank should incorporate in their SEP a clear strategy on Human Rights to protect communities, Indigenous Peoples, and human rights defenders, and enhance public participation. This strategy should detail how human rights risks and impacts are considered, prevented and mitigated at all stages of the project-cycle, with special attention given to fragile and conflict-affected settings. The strategy should clearly spell out how the Bank will promote and implement a human rights-based approach among its stakeholders, clients and counterparts. In order to achieve that, ADB should employ sound human rights due diligence at project level, undertake Human Rights assessments, quick response mechanisms and numerous already available Human Rights tools. The Bank should consult with relevant stakeholders on best approaches to make the requirements for HR protection part of the client’s obligation under the new Safeguards Policy. 12. Ensure safe and free from retaliation space for the stakeholders to raise their concerns under the consultations process. Comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation plan should be developed for every online and offline event of stakeholder engagement, considering the national and/or group-specific context. The participants, in particular, the affected persons and communities should be properly informed about any potential risks and mitigation measures developed by the ADB to ensure their security.

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. কৌশলগত পরিকল্পনা 2020 ADB-এর এনজিও ফোরাম তার "কৌশলগত প্রচারণার রোডম্যাপ 2014-2020: দীর্ঘস্থায়ী এবং পদ্ধতিগত পরিবর্তনের দিকে" বাস্তবায়ন করতে প্রস্তুত। পরের ছয় বছরে ফোরাম ADB-এর মধ্যে পদ্ধতিগত পরিবর্তন কার্যকর করার চেষ্টা করবে এবং এর ক্লায়েন্টদের সম্প্রসারণ করে যাতে তারা এশীয় সম্প্রদায়ের উন্নয়নমূলক চাহিদা এবং স্থানীয় প্রেক্ষাপটের প্রতি আরও বেশি দায়বদ্ধতার সাথে সাড়া দেয়। ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত ব্যক্তিদের পক্ষে, যাদের দুর্বলতা এডিবি-র তির্যক উন্নয়ন এজেন্ডা দ্বারা বৃদ্ধি পেয়েছে। ওয়ার্কিং গ্রুপ এবং সদস্য সংস্থাগুলির জন্য একটি কেন্দ্রবিন্দু দরিদ্র, মহিলা, জাতিগত গোষ্ঠী এবং প্রান্তিক খাতের কণ্ঠস্বর এবং ক্ষমতাকে শক্তিশালী করছে। পরিকল্পনা প্রক্রিয়া ফোরামটি তার কাঠামো, প্রচারাভিযানের পরিকল্পনা এবং সাংগঠনিক নকশার উপর কৌশলীকরণ শুরু করে ডিসেম্বর 2012 সালে থাইল্যান্ডের ব্যাংককে একটি প্রস্তুতিমূলক বৈঠকের মাধ্যমে। দেশ ও আঞ্চলিক মিটিং পরিচালিত হওয়ার পর প্রক্রিয়াটি নভেম্বর 2013 সালে ফিলিপাইনের সিলাং, ক্যাভিতে একটি বাস্তবায়ন কর্মশালার মাধ্যমে শেষ হয়। ইন্টারন্যাশনাল কমিটি (IC) / ট্রাস্টি বোর্ড এবং নির্বাহী পরিচালক দীর্ঘমেয়াদী কৌশলগত পরিকল্পনা প্রক্রিয়ার নির্দেশনা দেন। একজন প্রধান কৌশলবিদ, আইসি আহ্বায়ক এবং সচিবালয়ের কর্মীদের সমন্বয়ে গঠিত একটি কৌশল দল, বছরব্যাপী পরিকল্পনা পরিচালনা এবং সমাপ্তির তত্ত্বাবধান করে। এই নিবিড়, অংশগ্রহণমূলক এবং গতিশীল প্রক্রিয়ার শেষ ফলাফল হল "রোডম্যাপ", যা কার্যকরভাবে 2006 সালের দীর্ঘমেয়াদী কৌশল পরিকল্পনাকে ছাড়িয়ে যায়। কান্ট্রি কনসালটেশন আর্মেনিয়া, বাংলাদেশ, ভারত, ইন্দোনেশিয়া, মঙ্গোলিয়া, ফিলিপাইন এবং শ্রীলঙ্কায় কৌশলগত বৈঠক অনুষ্ঠিত হয়। উত্তর-পূর্ব ভারতে একটি উপ-জাতীয় পরামর্শ হয়েছে। 2013 সালের ফোরামের বার্ষিক সভায় কম্বোডিয়া, মায়ানমার এবং নেপালের একটি দেশের পরিস্থিতির একটি প্রতিবেদন ছিল। কান্ট্রি ওয়ার্কিং গ্রুপগুলি এডিবি-সম্পর্কিত বিষয়গুলির বিষয়ে প্রচারাভিযান কার্যক্রমের পরিকল্পনা করার ক্ষেত্রে জাতীয় দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি বিবেচনা করেছে। সদস্যরা নেটওয়ার্ক সম্প্রসারণ এবং পুনরায় সক্রিয়করণ, ব্যাংকের উপর জনসাধারণের চাপ বৃদ্ধি এবং তাদের নিজ নিজ দেশে প্রচারণার টেকসইতা অর্জনের বিষয়ে কৌশল তৈরি করেছেন। আঞ্চলিক পরামর্শ মধ্য এশিয়া এবং ককেশাস (বিশকেক, কিরগিজস্তান), দক্ষিণ-পূর্ব এশিয়া (ব্যাংকক, থাইল্যান্ড) এবং দক্ষিণ এশিয়া (ঢাকা, বাংলাদেশ) অঞ্চলে কৌশল পরিকল্পনা হয়েছে। মেকং-এর জন্য একটি উপ-আঞ্চলিক গ্রুপিং সভা কম্বোডিয়া, ভিয়েতনাম, এবং এই অঞ্চলে অবস্থিত INGO-এর প্রতিনিধিদের অংশগ্রহণে ব্যাংককেও অনুষ্ঠিত হয়েছিল। আঞ্চলিক ওয়ার্কিং গ্রুপগুলি মূল বিষয়ভিত্তিক ক্ষেত্রগুলিকে অগ্রাধিকার দেয়, যার মধ্যে আন্তঃসীমান্ত সংযোগগুলি রয়েছে, যেখানে সমলয় এবং সমর্থনে পরিপূরকতা প্রতিষ্ঠা করা যেতে পারে। এটি তাদের কর্ম এবং হস্তক্ষেপের একটি পাঁচ বছরের একীভূত পরিকল্পনা তৈরি করতে সক্ষম করে। ছয় বছরের কৌশল পরিকল্পনা "রোডম্যাপ" চলমান এবং ভবিষ্যতের আঞ্চলিক বিষয়ভিত্তিক প্রচারাভিযান পরিচালনায় ফোরামকে গাইড করে। এটি তার অ্যাডভোকেসি ওয়াকের প্রভাব/গুলি পর্যবেক্ষণ এবং পরিচালনার জন্য একটি প্রক্রিয়া প্রদান করে। একইভাবে, এটি ফোরামের ক্রিয়াকলাপের প্রভাবের ফলাফলের সাথে আরও শিখতে সাহায্য করে। ফোরামটি মধ্য এশিয়া, দক্ষিণ-পূর্ব এশিয়া এবং দক্ষিণ এশিয়ায় পাঁচটি কার্যকরী থিম: জল, শক্তি, জলবায়ু পরিবর্তন, নগরায়ণ এবং মানবাধিকারের উপর ওকালতিকে গড়ে তুলছে এবং মূল্য যোগ করছে। সুরক্ষা (পরিবেশ, অনিচ্ছাকৃত পুনর্বাসন, আদিবাসী) এবং লিঙ্গকে ক্রস-কাটিং সমস্যা হিসাবে চিহ্নিত করা হয়েছে। আশা করা হচ্ছে যে 2020 সালের মধ্যে, এশিয়ার জনগণের কণ্ঠস্বর এবং সংস্থা, বিশেষ করে দরিদ্র এবং প্রান্তিকদের, এডিবিকে আরও দীর্ঘস্থায়ী এবং পদ্ধতিগত পরিবর্তনের দিকে সম্পৃক্ত করার জন্য একটি টেকসই ক্ষমতায় উত্থাপিত হবে। এর কারণ হল ফোরাম কার্যকরভাবে ADB এবং এর ঋণগ্রহীতাদেরকে সুশীল সমাজ এবং অন্যান্য স্টেকহোল্ডারদের সাথে তাদের গঠনমূলক আলোচনায় সত্যিকারের জবাবদিহি, স্বচ্ছ, উন্মুক্ত এবং প্রস্তুত হওয়ার জন্য চাপ দিয়েছে।

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. এশিয়ান ডেভেলপমেন্ট ব্যাংক (এডিবি) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Safeguards Public Information Policy Accountability Mechanism Strategy 2030 প্রজেক্ট মনিটরিং SOUTH ASIA Read More SOUTHEAST ASIA Read More MEKONG Read More CENTRAL ASIA Read More

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. প্রজেক্ট মনিটরিং Latest News Sign the 1M Petition ADB Project Tracker Media NGO Forum on ADB questions ADB’s intent to shift towards using country safeguards systems without any ‘assessment’ and ‘equivalency’ with its own safeguards systems as presented by the Strategy and Policy Department of the ADB. This alarming move towards using country systems prematurely will have disastrous impacts on local communities and the environment especially in autocratic regimes where civil society voice is suppressed and persecuted, and national instruments are riddled with corruption and weak implementation. ADB in doing so will also be in violation of its own ADB Safeguards Policy Strategy SPS 2010, where it clearly indicates ‘equivalency’ and ‘assessment’ to be conducted for Country Systems with ADB standards before they are considered for use in any ADB project. In ADB’s own study on Country Systems in 2015, it indicates that in six upper-middle-income countries UMICs, the use of country systems are not feasible as they are far from ADB SPS 2010 standards. The ADB is faced to provide competitive lending rates with the rise of new banks and abruptly moving towards using Country Systems is a way by which the Bank is trying to reduce loan approval times and “costs” by compromising due diligence requirements which put human rights, public safety, environmental sustainability and national economies at risk. Read the Strategy 2030 related documents below : 21 Aug 2018 | Pillars for the Future of Development Finance in Asia 08 May 2018 | Joint Submission of Comments on ADB’s Draft Strategy 2030 02 Feb 2017 | ADB Strat 2030 Letter 29 Mar 2017 | ADB response to letter regarding ADB's new corporate strategy 30 Jun 2016 | ADB criticized for holding questionable consultations on its new corporate strategy এশিয়ান ডেভেলপমেন্ট ব্যাংক (এডিবি) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Safeguards Public Information Policy Accountability Mechanism Strategy 2030

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. প্রজেক্ট মনিটরিং Latest News Sign the 1M Petition ADB Project Tracker Media NGO Forum on ADB Comments: Safeguard Compliance and Accountability Mechanism Framework for Investments Supported by Financial Intermediaries In Forum’s experience, there are several fundamental problems in ensuring FI Accountability to Safeguards – Project cycle bound timely release of project information in a meaningful manner for local peoples FIs need to ensure that environmental and social due diligence is implemented at the highest standards by their clients On issues of non-compliance, an independent and responsive redress mechanism has to be in place to ensure remedy for affected peoples. Keeping these three principles in mind the following comments have been made to the AMF- In the introductory section of the AMF, the lack of implementation of Equator Principles has been cited as a clear gap in FI accountability. We would recommend that the shift from guidelines for FIs to binding requirements should be emphasized in this section to strengthen the conceptual framework for this AMF. In line with comments from Accountability Counsel, we re-echo the need for learning to be upfront in this document for the AMF (Section 12, pg 4). For the AMF to work effectively it has to be able to learn from each case and make the necessary reforms to strengthen implementation. The issue of lessons learned and feedback loops built into the AMF system to help reform the structure will be critical to bringing diverse types of FI’s to compliance. On the issue of FI Sub-project categorization (pg.8) there is a need to ensure that a comprehensive ESIA is conducted to ensure the ‘Big B’ Category projects are deemed Category A. This is a potential risk especially for Infrastructure Funds, examples can be drawn from the Emerging Asia Fund of the AIIB and IFC, which has been tapped by Summit Power Group to retrofit several coal plants and build 4 new power generation facilities, which are fossil fuel based. The impacts from these projects will be long term and immediate and will require comprehensive ESIAs to ensure Safeguards are implemented. FIs and there parent funding institutions such as commercial banks and multilateral banks should have a strict monitoring role over their clients on environmental and social due diligence. The current practice of client-led safeguarding and self- reporting is no longer a viable model to ensure that AMF objectives are reached, thus we strongly recommend that monitoring and evaluation roles by FIs and their parent financial institutional investors should have an overseeing function. This is maybe done through further elaborating on a governance framework for FIs and their FI Clients, with detailed monitoring requirements in place. We are noticing for both ADB and AIIB projects that the Grievance Redress Mechanisms are often not effective at the local level. For MDBs it has been a real challenge to ensure that local GRMs have worked effectively; this will be a bigger challenge for an FI client to ensure. In this case, we recommend that project level GRMs should be – Meaningfully accessible for local communities Ensure complainants protection from backlash and retaliation Ensure remedial response The paper recognizes the shortcomings of GRMs - "However, GRMs are often poorly designed or implemented, and thus create mistrust and conflict between communities and the project executing agency. Finally, it must be noted that project-level GRM is not a substitute for an accountability mechanism at the institutional (financial intermediary) level, because the GRM cannot determine whether the financial intermediary has complied with its own environmental and social policies, standards, and procedures." Thus it has to be explicitly stated that accessing local GRMs should not be made a pre- requisite for local communities to trigger the Accountability Mechanism for an FI project. As mentioned earlier the fundamental problem with FI non-compliance to Safeguards is the lack of Time Bound Disclosure of project information to local people. At present local communities have no way of assessing whether FI subprojects are indeed FIs and what policies and mechanisms are entailed in their operations. From a community perspective, the following information has to be provided pre-project approval – Area and scale of the project Clear description of project cycle, construction, environmental and social impacts Clear assessment of project benefits sharing, compensations and allocations Clear understanding on rights, privileges and redress mechanisms for communities in cases of violations. All of language needs and ensuring that poor and vulnerable groups such as women, children and people with disabilities are made aware of all project related information. This is where the governance structure of this AMF will prove to be critical to ensure that Clients are complying with the disclosure needs at the local level. Provisions should also be made upstream in the project cycle to ensure that information disclosure needs are all met before a project is approved for implementation. The Forum re-echos Accountability Counsels recommendation on following the best practice example from the Green Climate Fund - which works with FIs, or accredited entities – The GCF has adopted a high degree of disclosure in line with international best practice, including time-bound disclosure of crucial project information – such as environmental and social impact assessments – ahead of approval. The degree and timing of disclosure are calibrated according to the risk profile of the investment: with more and better disclosure for the highest risk (Category A). The following excerpts from its 2016 Information Disclosure Policy describe the degree of disclosure: “Environmental and social reports. With respect to the project and program funding proposals that have an environmental or social impact, the Accredited Entities (AE’s) shall disclose and announce to the public and, via the Secretariat, to the Board and Active Observers: in case of Category A projects, the Environmental and Social Impacts Assessment (ESIA) and an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) at least 120 days in advance of the AE’s or GCF’s Board decision, whichever is earlier; in the case of Category I-1 programs, the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS)2 at least 120 days in advance of the AE’s or GCF’s Board decision, whichever is earlier; in the case of Category B projects, the ESIA3 and an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)4 at least 30 days in advance of the AE’s or GCF’s Board decision, whichever is earlier; and in the case of Category I-2 programs, the ESMS at least 30 days in advance of the AE’s or GCF’s Board decision, whichever is earlier.” The Forum recognizes the independence embedded in the structure proposed in this AMF and would make the following recommendations on the mechanism proposed- In the submission of a complaint, there should be a provision for complaints to be filed by international and regional representatives as authorized representatives for local and in-country representatives who are unable to step forward due to security risk and conflict scenarios. In cases where the IRM has proved that there have been issues on non-compliance, then all consultations between the client and the community MUST have the IRM present to ensure power equity in information exchange. This has to be an integral part of ensuring that a complaint process and remedial action are done objectively. In it’s entirety this AMF is an innovative and needed effort in holding FIs accountable. এশিয়ান ডেভেলপমেন্ট ব্যাংক (এডিবি) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Safeguards Public Information Policy Accountability Mechanism Strategy 2030

PAKISTAN BANGLADESH INDIA INDONESIA PHILIPPINES বাংলাদেশ বাংলাদেশ সূত্র: বাংলাদেশ: কোভিড-১৯ অ্যাক্টিভ রেসপন্স অ্যান্ড এক্সপেন্ডিচার সাপোর্ট প্রোগ্রাম LATEST NEWS Read the latest COVID-19 Research produced by Growthwatch, India from the Philippines and NGO Forum on ADB. Download UPDATES 22 February 2022 ADB lends record USD 4.6 bn loans to India in 2021 1 December 2021 ADB approves $1.5 B for COVID-19 vaccines in India 21 November 2021 Why is India taking out loans for covid-19 vaccines? 24 November 2021 Govt of India, Asian Development Bank sign $300 million loan 21 May 2021 ADB commits record USD 3.92 billion loan to India in 2020

RippleFX Map Read more about the exhibition | See the artwork up close | Read the Press Release RIPPLE EFFECT The 'Ripple Effect' Watercolor Exhibition seeks to illuminate the intricate connections between environmental degradation, social injustice, and human rights violations stemming from the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) projects. This significant exhibition, scheduled from May 1-5, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia, serves as a platform for impacted communities to voice their concerns and convey a potent message using the evocative medium of watercolor. The exhibition's core theme delves into the far-reaching consequences of ADB-funded destructive projects on global social and ecosystems. Artists will utilize watercolor as a poignant medium, capturing the innate beauty of water juxtaposed with the challenges and destruction wrought by ADB initiatives. Furthermore, these watercolor paintings will undergo digital reproduction to extend their reach via social media platforms. Unveiling ADB's Ecological & Human Rights Violations through Watercolor Narratives This exhibition is presented by the NGO Forum on ADB in collaboration with the Coalition for Human Rights in Development, CEE Bankwatch, and Green Alternative, with support from the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia. - ABOUT THE ARTISTS - MORSALINA ANIKA A young visual artist from Bangladesh is currently pursuing her studies in the Fine Arts with a specialization in painting. Alongside her academic pursuits, she has passionately engaged in various social movements over the past seven years, advocating for causes such as anti-corruption, road safety, anti-rape, abolition of the Digital Security Act, and the protection of trees on Satmasjid Road, among others. Presently she holds a role as a member in the film and fine arts department of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpogosthi (central parliament). LABANI JANGI A 2020 PARI Fellow and self-taught painter from West Bengal's Nadia district, explores the intersection of art and social issues. Currently pursuing a PhD on labor migrations at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Kolkata, her work reflects a deep engagement with human experiences and societal dynamics. * Art pieces are digitized by Karl Isaac Santos from the Philippines. Back to Top Promises Unfulfilled Song Bung 4 Hydropower Project | Vietnam This painting tells the tragic story of a 156-megawatt hydropower project in Vietnam funded by the ADB. It depicts the impending devastation for the Ka Tu ethnic minority, underscoring the ADB's negative role in disregarding safeguards and public communication policies. The artwork vividly shows the ADB's failure to consult stakeholders transparently, expressive strokes unveil the struggles of affected families, emphasizing issues like housing, livelihood, and compensation inadequacies. In the Flow of Opposition Tanahu Hydropower Project | Nepal This piece captures the essence of the Tanahu Hydropower Project in Nepal, funded by the ADB, amidst a backdrop of serene landscapes. However, within the gentle strokes lie shadows of contention and struggle. The artwork portrays the obstacles faced by the project, including issues of inadequate compensation, insufficient consultation, and incomplete impact assessments. Indigenous communities are depicted expressing their concerns about representation and the potential harm to their ancestral lands. Allegations of violating ADB policies linger in the background, adding layers of complexity to the unfolding narrative. Silent Desolation Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project | India This piece portrays the silent struggles of fish workers, farmers, herders, and communities on the verge of poverty. Funded by the ADB, the flawed implementation of the massive power station has left a mark of environmental and social devastation. Tragadi bandar, Kothadi bander, and Navinal, once vibrant, now echo stories of debt cycles, diminished fish catch, and shattered dreams. This artwork serves as a poignant reminder that affected communities seek justice, amplifying the voices silenced by coal dust, salinity, and economic exploitation. Nature's Last Stand Railway Sector Investment Program | India This piece captures the delicate balance between nature's beauty and the looming threat of railway expansion in the Western Ghats. Funded by the ADB, the proposed project cuts through biodiversity hotspots, endangering ecosystems and disrupting the lives of indigenous communities. The artwork stands as a powerful reminder of the vulnerability at hand and the pressing requirement for sustainable policies. It represents the enduring global battle for environmental conservation amidst unbridled development. Phulbari's Fight Against Corporate Greed Phulbari Coal Project | Bangladesh Capturing the resilient spirit of Phulbari, this evocative watercolor painting stands as a testament to the community's fierce resistance against the proposed coal mining project. As the ADB withdrew its support, echoing the global call to halt the Phulbari coal project, the canvas reflects the tragic 2006 protests, the unwavering determination of the Forum network and allies, and the alarming environmental impact, emphasizing the displacement of 130,000 people and the absence of a viable plan to prevent acid mine contamination. Shadows of Progress Visayas Base-load Power Project | Philippines In this watercolor painting, the Visayas Base-load Power Project funded by the ADB is portrayed amidst a landscape of vibrant hues. Yet, within the serene scenery lie contours of contention. Environmental concerns ripple through the canvas, as the looming presence of coal-fired power plants raises questions about sustainability and ecological balance. Social displacement casts shadows on the landscape, as communities grapple with the implications of land acquisition and resettlement. Amidst these challenges, the delicate dance between energy security and environmental stewardship unfolds. Journey Through the CAREC Corridor CAREC Transport Corridor 1 | Kyrgyz Republic This painting depicts the intricate pathways of the CAREC Transport Corridor, connecting Central Asian nations for trade and cooperation. Vibrant hues illustrate the promise of connectivity and economic growth. However, looming in the background are the shadows of challenges. Security risks in conflict zones and the environmental impact of infrastructure development cast uncertainties on the corridor's future. Through delicate brushstrokes, it serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in progress and the necessity for mindful navigation through interconnected landscapes. Ripples of Concern Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program | Sri lanka This artwork captures the story of the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program in Sri Lanka, funded by the ADB. Serene hues depict the tranquil waters of the Mahaweli River, yet beneath the surface, concerns emerge. Environmental impact shadows the landscape as the infrastructure alters the river's flow, impacting the habitat of native elephants. Social displacement adds complexity as communities confront land acquisition and resettlement. Technical challenges illustrate the complexities of water management. Financial sustainability and governance issues further complicate the picture. Teesta's Troubled Waters Teesta Irrigation Project | Bangladesh This art piece delves into the complexities surrounding the Teesta Irrigation Project, funded by the ADB. Amidst serene landscapes, turbulent currents of controversy and challenge swirl. Disputes over water-sharing agreements cast shadows, echoing the struggles of communities along the riverbanks. Environmental concerns paint the canvas with hues of habitat destruction and biodiversity loss, while the displacement of local communities adds layers of social upheaval. Shadows of Steam Geothermal Power Generation Project | Indonesia In this watercolor, the story of the ADB-funded Geothermal Power Generation Project in Indonesia unfolds. Vibrant hues capture Indonesia's lush landscapes, yet uncertainty clouds its geothermal potential. Environmental concerns arise as land subsidence and habitat disruptions threaten project sustainability. Social displacement complicates matters as communities face land acquisition and resettlement. Technical challenges illustrate the complexities of geothermal development. Financial hurdles and regulatory landscapes add further complexity. The Indorama Puzzle Indorama Climate-Resilient Farmer Livelihood and COVID-19 Recovery Project | Uzbekistan This watercolor painting encapsulates the intricate challenges encountered within the Indorama Agro project. Initially hailed for its promises of agricultural revitalization and employment opportunities, the reality depicted here is one of uncertainty and hardship for farmers and workers alike. Vibrant strokes portray the lush fields of promise contrasted with the shadows of delayed payments and job insecurity. The journey through this project is riddled with complexities, as depicted by the subtle nuances and layers of emotion within the artwork. A Brushstroke of Injustice Rehabilitation of the Railway in Cambodia Project | Cambodia Within the gentle strokes, the painting unfolds the narrative of 4,000 families forsaken by a misguided railway upgrade, backed by the ADB. The watercolor articulates the tales of inadequate compensation, unfulfilled pledges, and shattered aspirations of Cambodia's impoverished. A visual elegy to the repercussions of policy failures, urging a transformative shift in accountability. Back to Top Ripple Effect Exhibition RippleFX Art

PAKISTAN BANGLADESH INDIA INDONESIA PHILIPPINES এশিয়ান ডেভেলপমেন্ট ব্যাঙ্ক (ADB) এবং এশিয়ান ইনফ্রাস্ট্রাকচার ইনভেস্টমেন্ট ব্যাঙ্ক (AIIB) কোভিড-১৯ পুনরুদ্ধার ঋণ এবং বিতরণের নিরীক্ষণের জন্য একটি অনলাইন বুলেটিন সিস্টেম এবং জ্ঞান ভাগ করে নেওয়ার পৃষ্ঠা যা স্টেকহোল্ডাররা বিশ্লেষণ এবং পর্যালোচনার জন্য ব্যবহার করতে পারেন। ট্র্যাকিং শুরু করুন বাংলাদেশ পাকিস্তান ফিলিপাইনস ইন্দোনেশিয়া