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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Policy about?The PCP is a two-pronged communications policy, promoting:
This translates to greater emphasis and importance on the external relations function of the Bank, and importantly, greater public disclosure of operational documents. Mainly, it affects the way ADB does business - by making a greater effort to provide information and listen to the views and opinions of ADB's stakeholders, from project concept stage, right through to implementation and evaluation. It also aims to build institutional capacity both within the Bank, and in ADB's counterparts in developing member countries - by supporting participatory development and learning from experience. 2. There are so many policies, what's new about this one?The PCP is a pioneering effort and unprecedented among the multilateral development banks in terms of promoting proactive decision-making in favor of disclosure; none other has championed the cause of public disclosure of information and stakeholder engagement as regularly, systematically, and thoroughly. See the operational documents required to be disclosed. ADB reviewed the documents it produces or requires to be produced and considered whether these documents may be routinely made publicly available - unless the information contained in the documents meets clear confidentiality criteria, ADB now requires that the document be disclosed. 3. What information is available?The information ADB is making publicly available can be seen in the project cycle - there are a number of routine operational documents produced, or that ADB requires to be produced, that fall under one of 5 main phases in the life of a project. View ADB's project cycle for descriptions of operational documents and their respective disclosure requirements. The PCP also promotes greater transparency of ADB Board operations. See information on Board discussions in the form of Meeting Minutes and Chair's Summaries. The Board Calendar is also publicly available. 4. What does 'publicly available' mean?Under the Policy, "Publicly Available" or "P/A" means posted on the web. This may be largely the most wide-reaching and timely way to make information publicly available, but it may not be the most effective in reaching target audiences of those projects with a strong social development focus or impact. ADB and its partners will seek to find the most appropriate methods to communicate with the people affected by ADB projects. A Glossary for frequently used terms is included in the Policy document. 5. How do I obtain a document?Under ADB's new Public Communications Policy (PCP), publicly available ADB documents and information will be posted on ADB's website. If the PCP says it must be "publicly available", you can find it by searching for the document name in ADB's website; a prioritized list of relevant documents will appear, including the dates they were posted on the web. Alternatively, you can sign up for email alerts through the ADB's e-notification system, for newly released documents that match your interest areas. You can also check the "What's New" on the website to find any newly released documents. Requests for documents and information may be made to ADB's new Public Information and Disclosure Unit (InfoUnit) by email at disclosure@adb.org or by fax at +632 632 2647. 6. How long does it take to process a request?The policy aims to make relevant information available to the public in a timely manner. Under the PCP, ADB must acknowledge receipt of a written request within 5 working days after reciept, and respond to the requests within 30 calendar days after reciept. 7. Can anyone request a document?Yes, anyone can request a document. 8. Can I obtain hard copies of documents?Yes, ADB can provide hard copies of requested documents. Contact the InfoUnit with your request. 9. In what languages are documents available?The working language of ADB is English. In some circumstances, though, documents are translated into other languages. If English is not widely used in a member country, ADB will translate the relevant Country Partnership Strategy into a widely understood language. The translation framework outlines the ways in which ADB will expand the extent of information made available in languages other than English. It calls for routinely translating documents that increase public awareness and provide institutional information about ADB. 10. What are the reasons for not disclosing information?Certain information may not be disclosed because it falls within the PCP's exceptions to presumed disclosure. Examples include information arising out of ADB's deliberative or decision making process, business proprietary information, and staff information of a personal nature, such as medical files. Under the new PCP, ADB takes a proactive approach to its external relations and disclosure of information, working together with its government partners to decide on which information if any, meets strict confidentiality criteria. 11. What do I do if my request for information is denied?If you believe that your request has been unreasonably denied, or that the Policy has been interpreted improperly, you may request that it be reviewed by the Public Disclosure and Advisory Committee (PDAC) by submitting your case in writing to:
Public Disclosure Advisory Committee (PDAC) The PDAC will acknowledge receipt within 5 working days, and notify the requester of its decision in writing no later than 30 calendar days after receiving the request. The PDAC posts on the web on a rolling basis a list of all requests received, the nature of each request, and the decision taken in each case. |
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