ADB President Calls for Enhanced Collaboration with Civil Society
HYDERABAD, INDIA - Collaboration between ADB and civil society organizations is needed at all levels to attain the Millennium Development Goals in Asia and the Pacific, ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda told a meeting today in Hyderabad. “ADB remains committed to working with our civil society partners to promote economic growth that is pro-poor, socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable,” Mr. Kuroda said. Mr. Kuroda said in India, dozens of civil society organizations are participating in ADB-financed projects, producing “great results.” “Similar collaboration is necessary at all levels to give the Asia and Pacific region the best possible chance of attaining the Millennium Development Goals,” he said. He was speaking at the NGO Meeting with ADB Senior Staff, held ahead of the opening of ADBs 39th Annual Meeting of its Board of Governors in the Hyderabad International Convention Center. ADB will soon make more funds available for NGO-led initiatives against HIV/AIDS to complement its work in the health sector and is working with the Partnership for Transparency Fund on provide grants to NGOs for anticorruption activities, he said. “In response to the demands of our member countries, ADB plans to expand investments in areas like energy efficiency, safe water supply and sanitation,” he said. Mr. Kuroda added that ADB is also committed to building on its cooperation with civil society to ensure women and the disadvantaged are uplifted by the region’s economic growth and that ADB projects do not adversely affect the environment. ADB is soliciting views on its Environment and Safeguards policies, as well as its Energy Policy. More than 150 representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) from 80 organizations in 24 countries have registered to participate in ADB’s 39th Annual Meeting program. During the open forum section of the meeting, NGO representatives raised various issues with the ADB President, from the risk of corruption in ADB member countries and projects, to privatization, clean energy, and future work in information and communications technology. It was part of a special program for nongovernment and other civil society groups that includes discussion panels, briefings and other activities at the ADB Annual Meeting. The increasing level of ADB’s engagement of civil society is reflected in the record percentage of approved ADB loans that involved CSOs last year – 74%. Over the past year, CSOs have also contributed to the elaboration of the ADB country strategy and program in various countries, and to the review of key ADB policies, such as water. About ADB | 
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