Explore key terms used in the Forum Network infographics on ADB energy projects. This glossary explains financing modalities, grants, loans, equity investments, and technical assistance in simple terms. Glossary of Terms in the Forum Network Infographics on ADB Energy Projects This glossary provides key terms used in the Forum Network infographics on ADB energy projects. These terms describe various financial instruments and approaches used by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its operations. E (Equity Investment) | Direct investment in a company or project, making ADB a shareholder to support development goals. Financing Modality | The specific method or instrument used to fund development projects and programs. Grant | Financial aid that does not need to be repaid, typically used for projects that support low-income countries, environmental sustainability, or social development. Loan | Borrowed funding that must be repaid, used to finance development projects in ADB member countries. Modality | ADB's financing or operational approach for projects, programs, or technical assistance, tailored to the needs of member countries. TA (Technical Assistance) | Support for capacity building, policy advice, and project preparation in member countries, often provided through grants or expert guidance.

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 Letter on ADB’s flawed July 22 CSO consultation Two decades in ADB’s ACEF: a race away from 1.5°c - NGO Forum on ADB Statement on the ADB Asia Clean Energy Forum 2025 Forum Network urgent concerns on ADB Energy Policy Review 2025 Forum Network Letter – Concerns on ADB CM2CET Value Chains Approach Unpacking ADB and AIIB’s false narrative in COP29 Re: Climate-Smart Mining for a New Climate Economy (Project 57273-001) Latest News Latest Events/Activities

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 Safeguard Spotlight The Story of ADB Safeguards Related Documents ADB Project Tracker COVID19 Loan Tracker In 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is amidst Phase 3 of its process for revising the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), presenting the first draft of the W paper after two years of consultations. However, the draft falls significantly short of expectations, failing to ensure robust environmental and social safeguarding. The draft ESF’s ‘Vision’ does not commit to the fundamental principle of ‘Do No Harm’ in ADB operations. This omission reflects the disregard for feedback from consultations. Terms like 'materially consistent', 'timely', and 'where applicable' are used ambiguously throughout the document, undermining environmental and social safeguarding accountability. These terms should be replaced with clear, mandatory, and time-bound standards. Despite investing over 40 million USD in Country Safeguard Systems over the past decade, the ADB has not demonstrated successful application of these systems for SPS 2009 implementation. This underscores the need for stringent implementation of the SPS 2009 and the new ESF. Financing should not be approved if borrower systems are less stringent, and any flexibility in applying these systems must be revoked from the ESF. The ESF should prioritize avoiding harm and restoring affected communities and environments to pre-project conditions or better. Its objective should not be aligned with green economic growth, which other ADB policies cover. The ESF must act as a safeguard to prevent and mitigate environmental and social risks comprehensively and on time. The draft ESF introduces the Mitigation Hierarchy without definition and omits critical components such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA). These assessments are central to the SPS 2009 but are absent in the 170-page document, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed framework. The ESF draft fails to clarify the ADB Project Cycle and its approach to addressing project-related harms. The proposed Common Approach for Co-Financing with other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) lacks commitment to the highest safeguard standards, potentially allowing lower standards to prevail. ADB must ensure the highest social and environmental standards for both standalone and co-financed projects. The draft includes problematic provisions like the treatment of Associated Facilities (AF), which are allowed to circumvent the ESF, contrary to the SPS 2009 policy. Moreover, the ESF is gender-blind, failing to address the fundamental rights and risks faced by women in project-affected areas. Binding language is needed to ensure gender safeguarding from the project design stage throughout the project cycle. Given these significant shortcomings, a full overhaul of the current draft ESF is essential. The ADB Board and Management must revisit the drawing board before finalizing the policy. The subsequent sections of this critique provide detailed analysis and specific concerns raised by civil society and labor organizations, urging a more robust and effective ESF. This comprehensive critique underscores the urgent need for the ADB to strengthen its commitment to environmental and social safeguarding in its revised ESF to ensure sustainable and equitable development outcomes.

Follow the AIIB energy campaign led by NGO Forum on ADB and allies, spotlighting civil society efforts to push the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank away from fossil fuels and toward just, community-centered renewable energy transitions. ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Project-affected People's Mechanism (PPM) AIIB Annual Meeting PROYEKTO MONITORING The Forum network maintains that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s (AIIB) ongoing support for fossil gas projects locks member countries into carbon-intensive energy systems and exposes them to global market volatility—an approach that is environmentally and economically irresponsible given AIIB’s limited resources and climate commitments (Urgewald, 2023; CLEAN & Forum on ADB, 2022). The network is also concerned that AIIB may increasingly shift toward high-risk sectors like large hydropower, waste-to-energy incineration, and geothermal, which have significant environmental and social costs. In particular, large hydro projects have a long record of displacing communities, damaging ecosystems, and generating conflict over land and water (International Rivers, 2021). The Forum calls for stricter financing criteria and meaningful consultation to ensure AIIB aligns with the goals of a just, community-centered energy transition. Read - Unpacking ADB and AIIB’s false narrative in COP29 Digital infrastructure for whom? Unpacking ADB and AIIB’s digital push AIIB Climate Advocacy Letter Critical Concerns on the Occasion of AIIB's Annual Meeting 2023 Open Statement on Collective Concerns Re: AIIB’s 2022 Energy Sector Strategy Update Re: Virtual Consultations Hosted by AIIB on the Energy Sector Strategy Update AIIB asked to go green, turn back on fossil fuels AIIB’s Extended Deadline for Public Input on the Energy Sector Strategy Update Collective Statement For the Energy Sector Strategy Update Collective Call for a New Forward-Looking AIIB Energy Sector Strategy Joint Submission by NGO Forum on ADB & Urgewald on the AIIB Environmental and Social Framework

PAKISTAN BANGLADESH INDIA INDONESIA PHILIPPINES Isang online bulletin system at page ng pagbabahagi ng kaalaman na nakatuon sa pagsubaybay sa Asian Development Bank (ADB) at Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) COVID19 recovery loans at disbursement na maaaring gamitin ng mga stakeholder para sa pagsusuri at pagsusuri. SIMULAN ANG PAGSUNOD PAKISTAN PILIPINAS BANGLADESH INDONESIA

Explore ADB Safeguard Violations in Energy Projects This interactive page provides a visual overview of safeguard violations linked to ADB–funded energy projects in South Asia. How to use this dashboard? Click on any item—such as a country, safeguard category, or type of violation—to view detailed project information and related issues. Click the same item again to return to the full regional overview. Use the filters and visual tools to explore where and how safeguard breaches have occurred in ADB’s energy portfolio across South Asia. ADB Energy Investments In Southeast Asia Next

The NGO Forum on ADB is an Asian-led network of civil society organizations (CSOs), based in Asia and the Pacific region. STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 Ang NGO Forum on ADB ay nakatakdang ipatupad ang "Roadmap to Strategic Campaigning 2014-2020: Tungo sa pangmatagalang at sistematikong pagbabago." Sa susunod na anim na taon makikita ang Forum na nagsusumikap na magsagawa ng sistematikong pagbabago sa loob ng ADB, at sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalawig ng mga kliyente nito upang tumugon sila nang may higit na pananagutan sa mga pangangailangan sa pag-unlad at mga lokal na konteksto ng mga komunidad sa Asya. sa ngalan ng mga apektadong tao, na ang mga kahinaan ay nadagdagan ng baluktot na agenda ng pag-unlad ng ADB. Ang isang focal point para sa Working Groups at Member Organizations ay ang pagpapalakas ng boses at kapasidad ng mahihirap, kababaihan, grupong etniko at marginalized na sektor. PROSESO NG PAGPAPLANO Ang forum ay nagsimulang mag-strategize sa framework, campaign plan, at organisasyonal na disenyo nito noong Disyembre 2012 sa pamamagitan ng preparatory meeting sa Bangkok, Thailand. Matapos isagawa ang mga pagpupulong sa bansa at rehiyon ay nagtapos ang proseso noong Nobyembre 2013 sa pamamagitan ng isang workshop sa pagpapatupad sa Silang, Cavite, Pilipinas. Ang International Committee (IC) / Board of Trustees at ang executive director ay gumabay sa pangmatagalang proseso ng pagpaplano ng estratehiko. Isang team ng diskarte, na binubuo ng isang lead strategist, ang IC convener, at Secretariat staff, ang namamahala sa pagsasagawa at pagkumpleto ng isang taon na pagpaplano. Ang huling resulta ng masinsinang, participatory at dynamic na prosesong ito ay ang “Roadmap,” na epektibong pumapalit sa Long-Term Strategy Plan ng 2006. KONSULTASYON SA BANSA Ang mga pagpupulong sa diskarte ay ginanap sa Armenia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pilipinas, at Sri Lanka. Isang sub-national na konsultasyon ang naganap sa Northeast India. Nagkaroon ng pag-uulat ng isang country situationer sa Cambodia, Myanmar, at Nepal sa 2013 Forum Annual Meeting. Naunawaan ng mga Country Working Group ang mga pambansang pananaw sa pagpaplano ng mga aktibidad sa kampanya hinggil sa mga isyung nauugnay sa ADB. Nag-istratehiya ang mga miyembro kung paano makamit ang pagpapalawak at muling pagsasaaktibo ng network, pinataas na presyon ng publiko sa Bangko, at ang pagpapatuloy ng mga kampanya sa kani-kanilang bansa. MGA REHIYONAL NA KONSULTASYON Ang pagpaplano ng diskarte ay naganap sa mga rehiyon ng Central Asia at Caucasus (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan), Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Thailand) at South Asia (Dhaka, Bangladesh). Idinaos din sa Bangkok ang isang sub-regional grouping meeting para sa Mekong na nilahukan ng mga delegado mula sa Cambodia, Vietnam, at INGO na nakabase sa rehiyon. Ang mga Regional Working Group ay nagbigay-priyoridad sa mga pangunahing paksang lugar, kabilang ang mga transboundary linkage, kung saan ang pagkakasabay at pagkakatugma sa mga adbokasiya ay maaaring maitatag. Nagbigay-daan ito sa kanila na bumuo ng limang taong pinagsama-samang plano ng aksyon at interbensyon. ANIM NA TAONG ESTRATEHIYA PLANO Ang "Roadmap" ay gumagabay sa Forum sa pagpapatakbo ng nagpapatuloy at hinaharap na mga panrehiyong pampakay na kampanya. Nagbibigay ito ng mekanismo para sa pagsubaybay at pamamahala sa epekto ng adbokasiya nitong wok. Katulad nito, nagsisilbi itong higit pang pag-aaral ng Forum vis-à-vis sa mga resulta ng epekto ng mga aksyon nito. Ang forum ay nagtatayo at nagdaragdag ng halaga sa mga adbokasiya sa Gitnang Asya, Timog-silangang Asya at Timog Asya sa limang tema ng trabaho: tubig, enerhiya, pagbabago ng klima, urbanisasyon, at karapatang pantao. Ang mga pag-iingat (kapaligiran, involuntary resettlement, Indigenous Peoples) at kasarian ay natukoy bilang cross-cutting na mga isyu. Inaasahan na pagsapit ng 2020, ang boses at ahensya ng mga mamamayan ng Asya, lalo na ang mga mahihirap at marginalized, ay itataas sa isang napapanatiling kapasidad na makisali sa ADB tungo sa mas pangmatagalan at sistematikong pagbabago. Ito ay dahil mabisang itinulak ng Forum ang ADB at ang mga nanghihiram nito na maging tunay na may pananagutan, transparent, bukas at handa sa kanilang mga nakabubuo na dialogue sa civil society at iba pang stakeholder.

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 Pillars for the Future of Development Finance in Asia After much anticipation, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently released Strategy 2030 , its long-term corporate strategy to respond effectively to Asia’s changing needs. As the ADB looks to the future of development finance in Asia, it must keep community engagement, including access to effective remedy, at the forefront. Strategy 2030, then in draft form, was heavily showcased during May’s ADB annual meeting in Manila, Philippines. The strategy includes plans to increase private sector lending as well as the use of country systems in lieu of ADB safeguard policies for public sector operations. Strategy 2030 also cites the bank’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals as the overarching objectives of the strategy document. However according to the joint submission of NGO Forum on ADB , a close partner of Accountability Counsel, Strategy 2030 still lacks adequate guidance on how will ADB concretely contribute in achieving the targets set forth in these key global agreements. Importantly, although Strategy 2030 does contain some commitments to work with civil society organizations (CSOs) in the design and implementation of projects, little mentioned in the strategy is how the ADB plans to ensure that local communities direct the course of development in Asia and have access to accountability and remedy in the event of any negative impacts from financing. Of course, the ADB is not the only actor in the region, and questions about the future of development in Asia span various institutions. China’s “One Belt, One Road ” initiative will pour over $1 trillion dollars into the region and beyond. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, a China-led multilateral bank that opened in 2016, is ramping up operations. How can the ADB and other financial institutions ensure that communities’ rights are respected in the course of undertaking projects in the region? When rights are violated or communities have concerns about projects, how can these institutions ensure that communities have effective venues to raise and address these concerns? Not focusing sufficiently on community input can be disastrous. As Rayyan Hassan from NGO Forum on ADB raised during a session in Manila hosted by the ADB’s independent accountability office , communities often lack information about projects that may negatively impact them, owing to ineffective consultation and information disclosure processes. Fear, insecurity, and anger then build into grievances. Accountability Counsel has seen this scenario play out time and again through our casework, both in Asia and across the world. For example, the World Bank ’s accountability office confirmed that the communities in Sindhuli, Nepal affected by the 220 kV Khimti-Dhalkebar Transmission Line had not received proper information and consultation about the health, safety, and economic impacts of the bank’s project, leading to misunderstanding, violence against peaceful protesters, and significant project delays. Similar concerns are being raised by communities in Lamjung, Nepal who are affected by the European Investment Bank (EIB)-funded Nepal Power System Expansion Project , which is integrated with the ADB’s S outh Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Power System Expansion Project . Given the local communities’ recent advocacy with the EIB, it appears here again that international financiers have to do more to ensure that their development projects maintain a high standard of information disclosure, consultation, and participation in order to “do no harm” and truly improve lives in Asia. As the ADB and others look to the future of development in Asia, they must put measures in place to ensure that communities’ voices are fully respected in the course of projects. This includes strong environmental and social safeguard policies surrounding project design and implementation. As CSOs highlighted during the ADB annual meeting, strong environmental and social protections are particularly important as these institutions increase the focus on private sector investment, which has historically received less oversight. This also includes comprehensive and accessible project information for communities and ongoing inclusive consultations, right from the project design phase. Crucially, respecting community voices also entails ensuring that communities have access to an effective accountability office to address any project-related harm, including the denial of information and consultation around the project. To be effective, these offices must operate according to principles including legitimacy, transparency, and fairness. The ADB’s accountability office, comprised of the Compliance Review Panel and the Office of the Special Project Facilitator, is well established but could be improved, particularly in the area of structural independence from the ADB. As the ADB rolls out Strategy 2030, the bank should place particular attention on strengthening the accountability office to ensure that it is an effective, legitimate avenue for community engagement and provides a meaningful remedy for the harms communities have suffered or will potentially suffer. Through Strategy 2030, the ADB seeks to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. This is only possible if the ADB, and other financial institutions and actors in the region, put communities first. Community engagement, including access to an effective accountability office, is vital for ensuring that future development in Asia reflects the needs and priorities of its people. ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Safeguards Public Information Policy Accountability Mechanism Strategy 2030

PAKISTAN BANGLADESH INDIA INDONESIA PHILIPPINES BANGLADESH BANGLADESH Source: Bangladesh: COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support Program LATEST NEWS UPDATES 19 November 2021 ADB approves $500million loan to help Indonesia improve human capital 5 April 2021 ADB approves $450 M loan to help Indonesia deliver effective COVID-19 vaccines

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 Civil society demands ADB to strengthen environmental and social safeguards ahead of R-Paper release Read All Collective Civil Society Statement on ESF Draft: Calling for an Overhaul and immediate redrafting Read All Civil society recommendations on the ADB Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS) consultation process Read All NGO Forum on ADB Comments: Safeguard Compliance and Accountability Mechanism Framework Read All PH CSO Statement re: ADB’s Draft Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) Read All Request for Extension of Deadline for Submission of Written Comments on ADB's Draft ESF Read All Joint civil society statement for a robust, rights-based and just safeguards policy at the ADB Read All ADB Safeguard Spotlight The Story of ADB Safeguards Related Documents ADB Project Tracker COVID19 Loan Tracker ADB Documents This section compiles key documents utilized during the NGO Forum on ADB's campaign to strengthen the ADB safeguard policies. It includes ADB papers released during the campaign timeline. Publication This section features key publications produced by NGO Forum on ADB and its network during the ADB Safeguards Campaign. Advocacy Archives This section houses a curated collection of historical documents related to NGO Forum on ADB's Safeguards Campaign.

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 Role of Private Sector and Financial Intermediaries in ADB’s Energy Sector Investments 3 May 2018 | Manila, Philippines ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) Project Monitoring Energy Campaign Safeguards Public Information Policy Accountability Mechanism Strategy 2030

Meet the team of NGO Forum on ADB, including its Executive Director and staff working on environmental justice, energy transition, communications, and development advocacy. INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT History Network Structure International Committee International Secretariat FAQ JEN DERILLO Program Coordinator para sa Komunikasyon Nagtrabaho si Jen bilang isang propesor sa unibersidad nang higit sa 15 taon. Ang Polytechnic University of the Philippines, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, College of Divine Wisdom, Adamson University, Angelicum College, at ang College of Holy Spirit ay kabilang sa mga institusyong pang-edukasyon na nagkaroon siya ng pagkakataong makasama. Ang kanyang unang pagkakalantad sa gawaing pag-unlad ay kasama Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. nakabase sa Maynila, Pilipinas. Siya ay may degree sa broadcast communication mula sa Polytechnic University of the Philippines at may master's degree sa Communication, pati na rin sa Media Culture mula sa Maastricht University , Netherlands. Siya ay kasalukuyang nagtatapos sa kanyang graduate degree sa Cultural Anthropology at Development Studies mula sa KU Leuven, Belgium . Upang makita ang kanyang portfolio mangyaring mag-click dito. Maaabot mo siya sa jen [at] forum-adb.org.