Governance

Governance
Updated: 30 October 2009

Poor governance holds back and distorts the process of development, and has a disproportionate impact on the poorer and weaker sections of society. Assisting developing countries in improving governance is therefore a strategic priority of ADB in its work to eliminate poverty in Asia and the Pacific.

Good governance is one of the three pillars of ADB’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. ADB’s approach to governance, established as a Core Strategic Area of Intervention under its Long-term Strategic Framework (2001-2015), recognizes the importance of capacity development and identifies four key interrelated elements that are considered necessary to sustain efforts and ensure results. These are:

ADB has undertaken significant work in these areas, strengthening accountability institutions such as audit agencies, anticorruption commissions, and the judiciary.

Our support for judicial reform in India, Pakistan, and Philippines is strengthening the rule of law, which is crucial to encourage private sector investment and combat corruption.

ADB's Framework for Action on Governance

The strategic framework for action which guides its governance and anticorruption work is provided by ADB’s governance and anticorruption policies and Second Governance and Anticorruption Action Plan (GACAP II).

GACAP II outlines a comprehensive risk-based approach to managing governance and fighting corruption, refocusing efforts to achieve results in three priority areas in the sectors where ADB operates

• improving public financial management
• strengthening procurement systems
• combating corruption

ADB recognizes that a “one-size fits all” approach does not work and has partnered with other development institutions and developing member country (DMC) colleagues to develop innovative interventions to meet the unique needs of DMC countries and specific sectors.

For an update on implementation, see GACAP II Progress Highlights [ PDF ]. Visit ADB’s project database and search by key word, country, and type of assistance for more information on ADB’s governance interventions.

The Guidelines for Implementing ADB's Second Governance and Anticorruption Action Plan [ PDF ] provide guidance to ADB staff on the implementation of GACAP II.