A recurring issue in ADB-NGO cooperation is the timing and scale of NGO inputs in ADB operations. NGOs have requested ADB to move cooperation activities further upstream so they can provide their inputs before the stage where the programs and projects can no longer be modified. As interaction with NGOs increased in recent years, it was realized that consultation with NGOs helps to raise alternative views, particularly of those who will be directly affected by ADB-supported activities. Participation of NGOs could help minimize conflicts in Program implementation. A proven approach to gather such insight is to organize participatory meetings, but there is no mechanism for this requirement. Thus, consultation would involve a wide range of stakeholders who will be consulted on two main aspects of the ADB's Regional Cooperation Strategy and Program (RCSP): (i) the diagnostic assessments; and (ii) ADB's operational strategy and assistance program.

Objectives and Scope

The overall goal of the TA is to establish and institutionalize the process for an ADB-Government-NGO tripartite partnership that contributes to regional poverty reduction in the GMS. The purpose is to facilitate this tripartite partnership at the initial stages, achieving substantial NGO input into preparation/ updating/ implementation of the RCSP, and to pilot and demonstrate participatory approaches effective in facilitating the tripartite partnership process.

Methodology and Key Activities Implementation

Methodology and Key Activities

The SSTA is expected to (i) identify poverty issues as perceived by NGOs; and (ii) agree on a joint strategy and implementation plan for NGO cooperation in the ADB-GO-NGO partnership under the RCSP. Specifically, the outputs would include: an initial paper on GMS poverty issues that incorporates the perceptions of civil society; an operational plan for NGO participation in the tripartite partnership; and two subregional workshop proceedings.

The first subregional workshop will introduce the objectives/ scope of the TA, and the purpose, outline and methodology of the RCSP. Results of this workshop would be incorporated into a research component. Based on this review, an issues paper will be prepared summarizing the salient issues and how they relate to ADB's operations in the GMS. A second tripartite workshop would develop the operational plan for NGO participation in the RCSP implementation.

Implementation Arrangements

The TA will be executed by ADB's NGO Center in coordination with ADB's Mekong Department. Special effort will be made to ensure representativeness in NGO participation. A resource institution will be recruited to organize/ prepare draft paper on GMS poverty issues for inclusion in the RCSP, and deliver the workshops connected with RCSP preparation/ implementation.

Project Cost and Financing ($ 000)

	Local	Total
Poverty Reduction Cooperation Fund (ADB administered)		150
Total		150

Status

Ongoing.

For detailed information on the project, write to the GMS Unit (ADB) at the following e-mail address:

gms@adb.org