ADB Needs NGO Involvement in Fight Against Poverty, President Says

JEJU, REPUBLIC OF KOREA (14 May 2004) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will not fully deliver on its commitment to poverty reduction and improved development effectiveness unless it works closely with civil society, said ADB President Tadao Chino during a meeting today with nongovernment organizations (NGOs) on the eve of ADB's 37th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors.

Mr. Chino made the remark during a wide-ranging discussion on development topics with a small group of NGOs from ADB's member countries, continuing a tradition of face-to-face consultations during his tenure as ADB President.

"Our cooperation with civil society has continued to grow and deepen through our regular consultations," he told the group of NGOs, who raised concerns on topics including accountability, appropriate development, environment, assistance to the disabled, and the participation of youth.

ADB has long realized the benefits of working with NGOs. In the past few years, it has been increasing the number and quality of its consultations at the policy, program, and project levels. Noting the strong contribution that civil society has made during the preparation of recent policies, including the new accountability mechanism, he encouraged civil society inputs into the ongoing consultations on the draft Public Communications Policy.

He also requested feedback on the implementation of ADB's cooperation framework with NGOs and governments. In May 2003, Mr Chino endorsed the "ADB-Government-NGO Cooperation: A Framework for Action 2003-2005," ADB's first institution-wide work plan for trilateral cooperation in the context of ADB operations.

Cooperation with civil society is embedded in major strategic plans such as the ADB's Medium Term Strategy (2001-2005) and the Long-Term Strategic Framework (2001-2015).

"We believe that by working with NGOs, the effectiveness, sustainability, and quality of our development services are enhanced," said Robert Dobias, Director, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Social Sectors Division of ADB's Regional and Sustainable Development Department.

ADB is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance. Established in 1966, it is owned by 63 members - 45 from the region. In 2003, it approved loans and technical assistance amounting to $6.1 billion and $177 million, respectively.

Contact Person:

Robert Dobias
Tel. No. (82-64) 767-8856
E-mail: rdobias@adb.org