ADB Safeguard Policy Review and Update Phase 3 Consultations

BACKGROUND

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is conducting a comprehensive review and update of the 2009 Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS). The SPS review adopted a robust Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) which describes the process and content for engagement with stakeholders throughout the SPS review.

The review and update process is conducted in three phases: Phase 1, ADB launched the review and shared the initial SEP which outlined the review’s approach on stakeholder consultation and communication. Phase 2, analytical and benchmarking studies comparing SPS 2009 with other MDB safeguard frameworks were done. These were prepared and discussed during regional and in-country consultations in developing member countries (DMCs) and private sector clients. Inputs were also sought from project-affected peoples in 9 selected ADB-supported projects. Phase 3, consultations will be undertaken to obtain feedback on the working paper of the policy and the draft ESF.

The draft ESF, which will be the key consultation document, has been posted for public comment on the ADB SPRU website last 7 September 2023. The ESF is comprised of the following components: (i) ADB’s Vision Statement, (ii) Environment and Social Policy (E&S Policy), (iii) 10 Environment and Social Standards for Borrowers and Clients (ESSs), and (iv) Prohibited Investment Activities List (PIAL). The draft Environmental and Social Requirements for Financing Modalities and Products document has also been disclosed for public comments on the same day as the draft ESF and is located on the same webpage. These documents are in English and are accessible in pdf format.

PURPOSE

The objectives of the Phase 3 consultations are to: (i) widely disseminate the draft ESF to ADB’s stakeholders, (ii) solicit comments on the draft ESF, and (iii) create a space for dialogue and participation of stakeholders so that the policy revision and its future implementation can gain from views of its stakeholders. At the end of the consultations, the following outputs will be produced: (i) a revised ESF that considers stakeholder feedback for submission to the ADB Board, and (ii) a summary of feedback from consultations.