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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. Civil Society Panels at ADB’s 58th Annual General Meeting As the Asian Development Bank (ADB) convenes its 58th Annual General Meeting (AGM), civil society organizations are leading critical discussions on two pressing issues: ADB’s accountability mechanisms and its energy transition agenda. A Ground-Up Perspective on the Effectiveness of ADB’s Accountability Mechanism and Safeguards Delivery This session will focus on the lived experiences of communities affected by ADB-financed projects, examining the gaps in ADB’s Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) and Accountability Mechanism. Civil society will call for stronger enforcement and better protection for vulnerable communities, ensuring that ADB’s projects are truly accountable and beneficial. Unpacking the Risks in ADB’s Just Energy Transition Agenda This panel will critically assess ADB’s energy transition strategies, questioning whether the bank’s approach truly aligns with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement. Speakers will highlight the risks of relying on fossil gas, carbon offsets, and unproven technologies, advocating for a transition that prioritizes renewable, community-led solutions and ensures social and environmental justice. Both sessions are essential opportunities to push for more transparent, accountable, and inclusive policies that put communities at the center of ADB’s development agenda. Read more 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 DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE BRIEFER In recent years, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have increasingly prioritized the development of digital infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and development across Asia. With the rise of digital technologies, both banks have invested heavily in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects, seeking to accelerate development and promote economic opportunities. However, the top-down approach that characterizes many of these initiatives often fails to address the socio-political realities of local communities, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities and leaving marginalized populations further behind. This briefing paper explores the need for a more inclusive, bottom-up approach to ICT policies, one that ensures the voices of local communities are integrated into policy and project planning, while also tackling the structural and gender inequities that persist in digital development efforts. Read More VOICES OF THE AFFECTED Stories of Development Voices of the Affected, Stories of Development is an exhibition that shines a light on the unseen and often untold consequences of large-scale development projects financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Hosted in Milan, a global center of art and culture, the exhibit presents a powerful collection of artifacts, images, and stories that speak to the environmental, cultural, and social impact of these projects on local communities. Through these artifacts, the exhibition challenges conventional development narratives, urging the global community to rethink the costs of progress. The pieces in this collection, carefully curated from ADB-funded projects, give a voice to those who have often been excluded from the decision-making process—communities on the frontlines of development. Read More Reinvention of a Troubled Legacy This briefer critiques the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) growing involvement in the transition minerals sector under the guise of clean energy financing. It highlights how Asia, home to key mineral-rich countries, is being positioned as a resource hub for the global energy transition—at the cost of environmental sustainability, human rights, and community welfare. While ADB aligns with frameworks like Climate-Smart Mining, the paper exposes the risks of greenwashing, extractivism, and weak governance. It underscores the need for local autonomy, transparency, respect for no-go zones, and a truly just energy transition that centers community rights, environmental protection, and material conservation over market-driven approaches. Read More Read Read Read

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

RESOURCES 2022 December Special Issue September June Marc h 2021 December September June March 2020 Disyembre Setyembre Hunyo Marso 2019 Disyembre Setyembre Hunyo Marso Naghahanap ng mas lumang isyu sa Bankwatch? Humingi ng kopya sa secretariat[at]forum-adb.org.

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Safeguards Public Information Policy Accountability Mechanism Strategy 2030 PROYEKTO MONITORING Latest News Latest Publication ADB Project Tracker Latest Events/Activities Media WATCH ADB: Stop Financing False Climate & Energy Solutions Press Conference 16 JUNE 2022 | 1:00 PM (PHT) via Zoom 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. CASES COMMUNICATION WITH AIIB EVENTS SUGGESTED READINGS FAQ Suggested Readings Collective Statement For the Energy Sector Strategy Update

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. CASES COMMUNICATION WITH AIIB EVENTS SUGGESTED READINGS FAQ CASES RECENTLY APPROVED Bangladesh Bhola IPP Bhola is the only island district of Bangladesh under Barishal in Bangladesh. Mumbai-based Shapoorji Pallonji Infrastructure Capital Company Private Limited (SP Infra), a subsidiary of Shapoorji Pallonji Group constructed a 220/225 MW Gas and Diesel based power plant through its new company Nutan Bidyut Bangladesh Limited (NBBL) at Kutba village under Burhanuddin Upazila in Bhola. NBBL has received USD 60.00 million from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and another USD 60.00 million from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) and CLEAN (Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network) in collaboration with NGO Forum on ADB conducted studies on the socio-environmental impacts of the power plant along with potential violation of national and international standards. In April 2022, CLEAN and NGO Forum on ADB filed 6 complaints regarding the destructive impacts of the Bangladesh Bhola IPP. Key concerns include the following – 1. Lack of Information Disclosure and Meaningful Consultation An overall lack of timely information disclosure by both AIIB and NBBL on project information Poor and misleading translation of key documents, especially the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), E&S Summary, Environmental Management Plan (EMP), and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) have been classified by CLEAN. The translated documents are in some instances incomprehensible and do not make sense. Lender has not provided any documentation or output from the consultation reports and has misrepresented accounts of consultations that could not be validated. 2. Coercion, Fraud, and Intimidation on Land Acquisition Coercion and intimidation faced by local communities especially Hindu from ‘middlemen’ appointed by NBBL to forcibly acquire land at the lowest rates. Hindu communities fearing retaliation in case they are identified as stakeholders raising concern. No records of sale or transaction on first phase land acquisition by NBBL Land acquisition practice was in violation of the “Bangladesh Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Ordinance, 1982 and the amended ordinance of 2017”, which stipulates land owners be entitled to thrice the market price from private companies (in this case NBBL) Ineffective and non-functional local grievance redress mechanisms GRM. 3. Environmental Impact and Livelihood Loss Construction and Sand waste deposited by NBBL has led to Mandartoli Shakha Khal/River Channel river bed over siltation. Further, the NBBL embanked its northern part with sand sacks and has taken over half of the canal. The sand from the sacks has spilled out into the canal bed causing siltation and the canal to gradually dry up. Now the canal is only 1-2 feet deep and has lost its water-carrying capacity. Destruction of Betel Leaf farms: Due to Mandartoli Shakha Khal clogging, monsoon water overflows during high tide and directly floods the Dakshin Kutba village. Estimated 400 Betel leaf farms have been destroyed; displacing over 2000 families dependent on agriculture. Over 100 households are approximated to be directly waterlogged and left completely disconnected from public services, communication, health care, and other necessary services. Project site has taken over half of all grazing land in the area, leading to a direct impact on goat herders who are mainly women. Labor Colony has discharged large amounts of effluent, sewage, and waste to surrounding villages, leading to uninhabitable living conditions. Surkhandarya 1,560MW CCGT Power Plant [PROPOSED] The AIIB is proposing to provide a loan of 225million EUR to support the design, construction, and operation of a new 1560MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant in the Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan. According to the Bank's own ranking, the project is identified as a safeguards Category A project (highest risk). The project consortium is made up of the Dutch conglomerate, Stone City Energy, France's EDF, Germany's Siemens Energy, and Qatar's Nebras Power. Dubious GHG Accounting Although CO2 emissions have been estimated in AIIB project documents, there is no reference for how the calculations were derived and what scopes of emission are being considered. No estimated calculations of other emissions, including most critically, methane, are evident. Climate and Biodiversity Concerns The project site will occupy 70 hectares of land beside the Uchkizil irrigation reservoir, which it will use for water intake and for discharging treated wastewater. The reservoir is also relied on for irrigating agricultural fields in the area. No specific measures are listed for avoiding and responding to incidences of contamination from the effluent discharges or accidental leaks on-site during project construction or operation. Community Concerns Undisclosed Details on community consultations, specifically on how those living and working around the reservoir have been informed, what project concerns they raised, and how/if these issues are being addressed remain absent from AIIB's documentation. Although plans for future consultations are mentioned, it's not clear how these discussions will be carried out and what - if any - precautions would be taken to avoid risks of reprisals to local people raising questions. Mis-Aligned with the Imperatives of Climate Science Although the AIIB suggests the design of the project is "climate resilient" there is no published information to explain what this means. The reality is that in fact the project, which is expected to only become operational in 2026, would undermine the AIIB’s own stated pursuit of Paris alignment and joint MDB climate commitments. The climate science is clear: ramping up construction for new fossil gas infrastructure is unequivocally incompatible with the action required to meet the Paris Agreement goals of limiting global heating to 1.5C (IPCC Assessment Report 6; “Net Zero by 2050 Roadmap”) As outlined by the IEA, to have a chance to keep global heating below catastrophic levels, large scale gas‐fired generation to peak globally by 2030, and the electricity sector would need to be completely decarbonized by 2040 worldwide. Project Location: Surkhandarya region, Uzbekistan Watch Video

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. PROYEKTO MONITORING Latest News Sign the 1M Petition ADB Project Tracker Media 2009 after the approval of the new ADB’s Accountability Mechanism (AM) was approved in December 2003, replacing the 1995 Inspection Function. Although a review of the policy was scheduled in 2006, it was postponed until 2008 and later rescheduled. The ADB officially started its policy review when ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda made an announcement during its Annual Meeting in Tashkent in May 2010. The ADB conducted a series of multi-stakeholder consultations in Asia, Europe, and the United States from September to November 2010. It also held consultations with affected people in selected countries. In April 2011, Forum submitted its comments on the consultation draft policy paper. Civil society organizations, however, criticized the ADB for coming up with a draft Working Paper–a draft policy version submitted to the ADB Board of Directors for review–two days after the deadline for submission of public comments on the consultation draft policy paper. In May 2011, after Forum’s continuous pushing and lobbying, the bank decided to put the review process on the right track by inviting public comments on the draft Working Paper. In June 2011, Forum submitted its comments on the first Working-Paper. In July, ADB released its second Working-Paper which is currently open for public comments. Forum members have been using the AM to register local communities’ complaints on the Bank’s lapses in terms of its policies, programs, and projects. While there was not a single complaint filed in 2008, out of the 13 cases in 2009, four of which were filed by Forum members. Accountability mechanism related documents - 21 Oct 2019 | NGO Forum on ADB Comments: Safeguard Compliance and Accountability Mechanism Framework 17 Mar 2019 | ADB’s 10 years of Accountability Mechanism is not worth celebrating 17 Jan 2019 | Does ADB's Accountability mechanism work? 14 Nov 2010 | Review on Accountability Greater Mekong Subregion: Mekong Tourism Development Project 14 Nov 2010 | Holding ADB Accountable: A look at the Present Accountability Mechanism 14 Nov 2010 | Review on Accountability Mechanism Sixth Road Project: Not Eligible 12 Nov 2010 | Accountability Counsel Comments on the Asian Development Bank Accountability Mechanism Policy Review 14 Sep 2010 | Submission to the Accountability Mechanism Review 09 Sep 2010 | Effectiveness of the Accountability Mechanism in Central Asia and the Caucasus ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Safeguards Public Information Policy Accountability Mechanism Strategy 2030

A robust, green, and just safeguards is not a cost but an investment for ADB’s development investments, for social equity and sustainable development in which underspending and poor governance pose huge risks for all stakeholders but most especially the poor and the environment. HINIHINGI NAMIN SA ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) ANG A MATATAG, BATAY SA KARAPATAN AT PATAKARAN LANG SAFEGUARDS! Pangalan Ikaw ba ay isang- * Kinakailangan Indibidwal Organisasyon TANDA Ibahagi o Tweet para ipakita ang iyong suporta! Share BASAHIN ANG MGA DEMANDS

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. PROYEKTO MONITORING 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. ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) 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. ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Safeguards Public Information Policy Accountability Mechanism Strategy 2030 PROYEKTO MONITORING ADB's Response to the Forum Network's Draft ESF Comments Submission Read More Collective Civil Society Statement on ESF Draft: Calling for an Overhaul and Immediate Redrafting Read More PH CSO Statement re: ADB’s Draft Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) Latest News Sign the 1M Petition Related Documents Backgrounder ADB Project Tracker COVID19 Loan Tracker Read More Ripple Effect: Exhibition to Highlight Damaging Impact of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Projects Read More Joint civil society statement for a robust, rights-based and just safeguards policy at the ADB Read More 1 Million Signature for a robust, rights-based and just ADB safeguards policy! Read More Civil Society Input and Recommendations on the Stakeholder Engagement Plan Read More Civil society recommendations on the ADB Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS) consultation process Read More

MAG-DONATE Apela upang tumulong sa pagsuporta sa 57, 191 Jute Mill Factory Workers sa Khalishpur, Khulna na sapilitang pinaalis sa kanilang mga trabaho sa Bangladesh Ayon kay Hasan, 38, siya ay isang trabahador sa mekaniko departamento ng state-run Eastern Jute Mills Ltd. sa Khulna district na mayroong humigit-kumulang 900 permanente at 2,500 seasonal na empleyado- “Hindi ako makapaniwala noong una kong narinig sa mga kasamahan ko. This is an inhuman decision amounting to kicking the stomach of poor workers,” The father of two told UCA News [1]. Ang pagkabigo at galit ay humawak sa mga manggagawa mula noon Ang Ministro ng Jute at Textiles na si Golam Dastagir Gazi ay gumawa ng nakakagulat na anunsyo noong Hunyo 29 tungkol sa pagsasara ng lahat ng 26 na jute mill sa ilalim ng state-run Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC). Ang hakbang ay humantong sa mga tanggalan ng humigit-kumulang 57,191 empleyado tulad ni Hasan kung saan ang mga gilingan ay ang tanging pinagmumulan ng kabuhayan sa loob ng maraming taon. Karamihan sa mga manggagawa ay mula sa Khulna industrial area na naglalaman ng siyam na malalaking jute mill. Ang pagsasara ng Jute Mills ay humantong din sa biglaang pagsasara ng daan-daang libong nauugnay na maliliit na negosyo, vendor, tagabantay ng tindahan na ang buhay ay direktang nauugnay sa industriya ng gilingan. Malaki rin ang epekto ng pagsasara sa jute farming community sa gitna ng pandemyang ito.[2] Ang unti-unting pagbaba ng state jute mill ay ang pagpapatupad ng isang anti-people scheme na ipinatupad mula noong 1990s, sabi ni Anu Muhammad, isang propesor ng economics sa Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka. “Ang Bangladesh ay may higit sa 70 state jute mill pagkatapos ng 1971 independence at noong nakaraan, mga 40 ang isinara sa reseta ng World Bank at IMF. Ang pinakamalaking nasawi ay ang pagsasara ng Admajee Jute Mills noong 2002 na nagdulot ng 20,000 manggagawang walang trabaho.” Sinabi ni Muhammad sa UCA News. Sa nakalipas na 3 araw, ang mga pwersang panseguridad ng estado ay nakatalaga upang sugpuin ang mga hindi pagsang-ayon ng mga manggagawa habang patuloy na tumitindi ang mga lokal na tensyon. Okt 2, 2020, ang mga manggagawang nawalan ng karapatan ay magtitipon sa Khalishpur, Khulna, at hihilingin - Muling pagbubukas ng lahat ng state-owned jute mill Makatarungang kabayaran para sa lahat ng nawalang sahod sa gitna ng mga ipinapatupad na lockdown na ito Umaapela kami sa lahat na sumulong at magbigay ng kanilang suporta sa Mga manggagawa sa Jute Mill upang maipagpatuloy nila ang kanilang pakikibaka para sa kanilang karapatang magtrabaho, kabayaran, at makatarungang sahod!!! [1] https://www.ucanews.com/news/the-last-nail-for-bangladeshs-state-jute-industry/88643# [2] https://tbsnews.net/economy/industry/govt-shut-down-production-25-state-owned-jute-mills-101029 Support SUPORTA DITO. Ang iyong suporta ay lubos na pinahahalagahan!

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Safeguards Public Information Policy Accountability Mechanism Strategy 2030 PROYEKTO MONITORING 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