ADB Launches Guide to Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement

HYDERABAD, INDIA - ADB today launched a guide to improve the way it consults with stakeholders and how it uses participatory methods in the identification, design, and implementation of its projects, programs, and policies.

Strengthening Participation for Development Results: A Staff Guide to Consultation and Participation was presented to delegates attending ADB’s 39th Annual Meeting, in Hyderabad, India, by Klaus Gerhaeusser, an ADB Deputy Director General.

“This Guide provides practical tools and tips to make participation more accessible and effective in improving ADB operations,” said Mr. Gerhaeusser. “It also helps staff to fulfill ADB obligations and strategic objectives to consult or otherwise promote participation,” he added.

Participation is a process through which stakeholders influence and share control over development initiatives, and the decisions and resources that affect them. This can range from simple information sharing, consultation to gain input into ADB activities, collaborative decision making, through to empowerment, which suggests a deeper level of participation in which beneficiaries and other key groups initiate action and take control over development decisions and resources.

ADB’s Poverty Reduction Strategy recognizes that “the reach and sustainability of social development is improved when all people, especially the poor and excluded, have an opportunity to participate in shaping public policies and programs.”

Experience has shown that participation improves the effectiveness, relevance, and sustainability of development activities. It also contributes to good governance, economic growth, and empowerment and social inclusion of disadvantaged groups.

The Guide provides examples of consultation and other forms of participation in ADB projects, country programming, and ADB policy development. It walks staff through the steps to apply participation, including planning, identifying stakeholders, and developing a consultation and participation plan. It also includes practical tips, checklists, and recommendations based on good practice.

The publication targets ADB mission teams and staff working in the institution’s field offices, but will also prove helpful to consultants, project executing and implementing agencies, and government departments in applying participatory methods. It is being distributed to all staff and accompanied by training.

“It is important to get this right, because ADB's experience shows that actively involving communities in projects avoids problems and brings to light improvements to design and implementation,” said Mr. Gerhaeusser.

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