Development Effectiveness: Achieving Results Together
Remarks by
Khempheng Pholsena, Vice-President, Finance and Administration
Asian Development Bank
at the
Special Assembly “Development Effectiveness: Achieving Results Together”
14 June 2004
Headquarters
Ladies and Gentlemen, you have just heard my Management colleagues talk about some of the initiatives we will be undertaking to implement the Reform Agenda introduced by President Chino. We have heard from them about reforms in three key categories - operations, strategy, and accountability. I would like now to address the fourth critical element in our Reform Agenda - organizational capability.
The 2002 Reorganization and the associated changes in business processes have moved us towards a better country focus and greater accountability. Following the progress review conducted in early 2003, an independent assessment will take us one step further in that it will assess the effectiveness of the Reorganization. I am confident that the outcome of the assessment will assist ADB to deliver better development products and services to our DMCs.
At the same time, we must wholeheartedly harness the potential of IT to improve productivity and efficiency. In this respect, a new information systems and technology strategy for 2004-2009 is being prepared and finalized.
Colleagues and friends, The President has frequently referred to ADB's human resources as its most valuable asset. To increase development effectiveness and achieve its goal of poverty reduction in our region, the new Human Resource Strategy will provide a framework for establishing a system in which staff can, and are motivated, to perform to their full potential.
The HR Strategy is critical to realizing the goals of the Reform Agenda. The next version of the HR Strategy is due to be soon circulated to the Board and will be posted on the intranet soon. A Board seminar on the topic is scheduled for July.
At its core, the new HR Strategy will strengthen ADB's performance management system. Staff will have clearly defined responsibilities, and there will be accountability and responsibility at all levels in delivering the work program. In turn, performance will be evaluated and rewarded accordingly.
At the same time, gender balance and equality will be addressed through the Gender Action Program II, which is now being developed as an integral part of the HR Strategy. I would like to take this opportunity to once again reiterate the Management's strong commitment to increase the representation of women at senior levels and progress gender issues.
Ladies and gentlemen-as we carry out the Reform Agenda, we will be closely monitoring as well as guiding and communicating progress. We will welcome and value your feedback as we strive to incorporate best practices in our processes.
Let me close by once more emphasizing that this process cannot succeed without our collective commitment. I can only appeal for your continued cooperation and participation as we tackle the challenges ahead. In particular, I will be relying on the support of all our staff in moving these initiatives forward. Indeed, colleagues and friends, a key to our future success will be good management and effective deployment of staff. Last, but not least, effective coordination and communication both internal and external with our partners and stakeholders is crucial.
As the newest member of the Management team, may I say that I look forward to working closely with you all in strengthening ADB's development effectiveness. The meetings in Jeju were held in a true spirit of cooperation and partnership. Let us maintain the momentum as we move forward in realizing the Reform Agenda.
Thank you.
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