Catalog

For major programs with the government...ADB [should] consult with NGOs at the programming stage instead of at a later stage, which is too late. This is because, at the programming stage, ADB is looking at programs for three years hence, for example. So if at that stage this consultation takes place, then ADB would really get the sounding from the people’s level, because NGOs are really working at the people’s level. And if program design is prepared accordingly, then those programs funded by ADB would be much more effective than they are now.

I think ADB can move to involve trade unions in the consultation process, engagement process, and get trade unions involved. Trade unions represent the workers, and workers are also the working class, part of society, so they should be engaged right from the start.

As a community-focused NGO, we consistently consult with our client groups and local government bodies in every aspect of our programs. It would be encouraging and reassuring to see larger donor and governmental organizations, particularly ADB, adopt similar methods as an integral part of their work.

If you really want an impact and not just end-of-year disbursement figures, if you want the impact, the money and ideas have to go together. Organizations like Action Aid, and perhaps NGOs more broadly, are closer to communities—maybe we are engaged with them for a longer time. I think to recognize that ADB has its role and there are others who may have other ideas, not necessarily always better, but maybe sometimes better. And then for organizations such as mine to know that ADB's strength is very much its knowledge bank, having all the ideas in one place all over Asia, which we could never have.

ADB could set up a mechanism whereby some percent of the amount loaned to the government would go to support NGO projects.