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Institutional Event

ADB's Performance in Transition to Strategy 2030: The 2017 Development Effectiveness Review

Thursday, 3 May 2018, 10:00 am–11:00 am, Learning Resource Center 3, ADB HQ
The 2017 Development Effectiveness Review

Seminar Summary

The seminar launched ADB’s 2017 Development Effectiveness Review. Moderator Stephen Groff, vice president for operations 2, stressed the important role of the report in holding ADB accountable to its stakeholders for delivering concrete development results. Bernard Woods, director of the Results Management and Aid Effectiveness Division presented report findings through the lens of ADB’s efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Asia and the Pacific. He explained the alignment of ADB’s transitional results framework with the SDGs, and the links between ADB results and the SDGs.

ADB has made important investments in infrastructure for sustainable development, particularly related to clean energy, water and sanitation for all. ADB also made progress in support of gender equality (SDG 5). Nearly half, or 48%, of all ADB projects supported gender mainstreaming last year. The share of ADB projects successfully delivering gender equality results has increased to 77%, above the target of 70%. It also made important contributions on climate action (SDG 13), as operations addressing climate change rose to 49% in 2015–2017, exceeding the 45% 2020 target. Climate change finance reached a record $5.16 billion in 2017.

Mr. Ernesto Pernia welcomed the report and the progress it highlighted, while stressing the need for ADB to continue to be flexible and responsive in addressing issues related to enduring gaps in access to infrastructure, complex social issues including family planning and population management, promoting innovation, science and technology, as well as helping to address inter-regional disparities. Ms. Pratt highlighted the strong resonance of ADB priorities for countries in the Pacific, and the need to continue to innovate to find appropriate solutions to the development needs of small island developing states. Audience participation via Pigeonhole was vibrant, raising questions related to the efforts that MDBs and governments are making to accelerate progress towards the SDGs, and align their investments in infrastructure with the Goals.

Presenter

Bernard WoodsDirector, Results Management and Aid Effectiveness Division, Strategy, Policy, and Review Department, ADB

Mr. Woods is the director of the Results Management and Aid Effectiveness Division of ADB's Strategy, Policy, and Review Department (SPD). Previously he was a principal urban development specialist in the Urban and Social Sectors Division of ADB's East Asia Department and a principal results management specialist in SPD. Prior to joining ADB, he worked as a consultant and also with the Aga Khan Foundation. Mr. Woods holds a master's degree in public administration (development) from Carleton University in Canada.

Panelists

Ernesto PerniaSecretary of Socioeconomic Planning, National Economic and Development Authority, Philippines

Ernesto M. Pernia is professor emeritus of economics at the University of the Philippines. He worked nearly two decades at ADB on economic growth, development, and regional economic cooperation in Asia. Mr. Pernia also serves on the boards of nongovernment organizations involved in education, health, population and development, and street children. He obtained his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. In 1980, he received the Outstanding Young Scientist award from the National Academy of Science and Technology of the Philippines.

Cristelle PrattDeputy Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

Cristelle Pratt is the deputy secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, with vast expertise in ocean governance, and climate and disaster risk resilience. Ms. Pratt has worked for the Government of Fiji and in various regional roles, with the most senior being that of director general/CEO of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission from 2004 to 2010. Ms. Pratt holds tertiary qualifications in marine law and policy from Dalhousie University, Canada and in geoscience from the Australian University, Australia.

Moderator

Stephen P. GroffVice-President for Operations 2, ADB

Stephen P. Groff is vice-president (Operations 2) of ADB, responsible for the full range of ADB's operations in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. His mandate includes establishing strategic and operational priorities in his areas of responsibility, producing investment and technical assistance operations amounting to approximately $5 billion annually, managing an existing portfolio of about $31 billion, and leading about 650 staff. Prior to joining ADB, he was affiliated with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

Presentation

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