Violeta Perez-Corral, Coordinator, NGO Forum on ADB, reads out NGO concerns to the ADB President.

ADB President Hails NGOs' Contribution to Development

by ADB External Relations Officer & NGO Liaison Bart W. Edes

SHANGHAI, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (9 May 2002)--In discussions today with 50 NGOs representatives ADB President, Tadao Chino, reaffirmed ADB's commitment to working closely with civil society to fight poverty in Asia and the Pacific. The meeting took place on the eve of the formal opening of the 35th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors.

Participants in meeting between ADB President, Tadao Chino, and 50 representatives of nongovernment organizations, 9 May 2002.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Chino stated that, "nongovernment organizations are significant players in the development process, and I believe that by working with you, ADB can improve the impact, sustainability, and quality of the services it provides to its developing member countries." Meeting participants included staff of social welfare and development agencies, environmental groups, foundations, NGO associations, trade union alliances, and other nonprofit organizations working in the Asia and the Pacific region. Several senior ADB officials also attended.

NGO representatives listen to President Chino highlight ADB initiatives to strengthen cooperation with civil society.

A few speakers expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on the environment and local communities of certain ADB projects. Others applauded ADB's recent efforts to engage NGOs, and proposed that the development bank

• adopt a code of conduct for NGOs,
• incorporate international labor standards into its Operations Manual
• promote basic education for all in its developing member countries

President Chino thanked participants for their contributions, and assured them that project-related concerns would receive careful attention by ADB.