Capacity Development

Medium-Term Framework and Action Plan

In 2004, ADB adopted capacity development as a thematic priority [ PDF: 310kb | 4 pages ]. ADB assembled a Capacity Development Working Group to develop a framework and action plan for enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of ADB-supported interventions. The Working Group’s draft report was widely discussed within ADB and external comments were requested online. In 2007, ADB launched its Medium-Term Framework and Action Plan [ PDF: 316kb | 44 pages ]

The action plan takes a two-pronged approach recognizing the need to target country-level programs and operations as well as ADB’s internal support systems for capacity development.

The action plan outlines the need to strengthen country capacities to better align donor agency assistance with country systems. Working together, DMCs and donors can develop a stronger capacity development focus in

• strategies and road maps (country partnership, sector, thematic)
• programs and projects
• assistance modalities and service delivery mechanisms
• partnerships with civil society, private sector, and other donor agencies

The action plan emphasizes the importance of

• country ownership
• improvement of existing country systems (in sectors where ADB operates)
• flexibility in approaches
• results-oriented initiatives
• diversity in resources
• knowledge management and information exchange

The action plan makes recommendations to pilot interventions and identify innovations in countries and sectors where ADB operates. For an update on implementation, please review CD Action Plan Progress Highlights [ PDF: 180kb | 2 pages ].