ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.
Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.
ORGANIZATION
ACCOUNTABILITY
ADB supports projects in developing member countries that create economic and development impact, delivered through both public and private sector operations, advisory services, and knowledge support.
Accountability Mechanism
The Accountability Mechanism of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) exists to provide an independent and effective forum for those affected by ADB-assisted projects to voice their concerns.
Review of the Accountability Mechanism Policy (2012)
ADB is currently conducting a comprehensive review and update of the Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). In conjunction with such review, and ahead of launching a formal review of the Accountability Mechanism Policy (2012), ADB completed an external review of the Accountability Mechanism Policy (2012) to provide ADB with important perspectives to consider in such a planned formal review. Additionally, to guide future policy design and implementation, ADB commissioned a cost and benefits study required under paragraph 212 of the Accountability Mechanism Policy.
As background, ADB’s Accountability Mechanism Policy became effective in 2012 following a two-year long review of the Accountability Mechanism Policy (2003). Since then, a number of multilateral development banks, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Inter-American Development Bank, and the World Bank Group, have updated both their safeguard frameworks and accountability mechanisms.
What’s New: Publication of External Review Report and Cost Benefit Study
As part of the Initial Review phase, three reports were disclosed on 6 September 2024, and are being made available for public comments until 28 November 2024. Please submit your comments on the reports to the AMP Review Secretariat. Following commencement of the Formal Review phase, various forms of stakeholder consultations will be scheduled. Stakeholder inputs from the consultations and feedback received through various platforms will be documented, and summaries will be disclosed accordingly.
Review the following reports:
- A Cost and Benefit Analysis of the Asian Development Bank Accountability Mechanism
- An Impact Assessment Study of the Major Changes Introduced in the Asian Development Bank Accountability Mechanism Policy 2012
- External Review of the Accountability Mechanism for the Asian Development Bank
Proposed Approach
The review will be conducted in two phases:
Indicative Timeline
| Phase 1 | Phase 2* |
|---|---|
| July 2023 Engagement of the External Review consultant |
September 2024 A joint Board and Management working group established to lead the Formal Review. |
| August 2023–August 2024 External Review |
September–December 2024 The working group will review the findings of the cost benefit analysis study and the external review report, and the public comments received on the external review report, along with the findings of the Safeguards Policy Statement (2009) review. Consultation paper to be produced, disclosed on ADB’s website for public comments. |
| September 2024 External review report published on ADB’s website for public comments. Please submit your comments on the report to the AMP Review Secretariat by 28 November 2024. |
November 2024–September 2025 Extensive and inclusive public and internal consultations to be conducted. A Stakeholder Engagement Plan will be prepared and published on ADB’s website. |
| September 2024 Decision by the Board and the President to commence the Formal Review |
January–June 2025 Working paper to be produced, disclosed on ADB’s website for public comments, and circulated to the Board for discussion. |
| September–November 2025 A revised Accountability Mechanism Policy will be prepared, disclosed on ADB’s website, and circulated to the Board for approval. |
*A detailed timeline for the Formal Review will be published, along with a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, following the initiation of Phase 2 by ADB’s Board and President.
Accountability Mechanism Policy 2012
At the 43rd Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in May 2010, the President announced a joint Board and Management review of the Accountability Mechanism.