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 68 members—49 from the region.
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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.
Safeguard Policy Review
A source for the latest important information on the environmental and social safeguard policy review, development, and consultation process.
In the Spotlight
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Summary of the Analytical Study for the Safeguard Policy Review and Update: Strengthening and Use of Country Safeguards Systems
This consultation document provides a summary of the analytical study on Country Safeguards Systems.
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Summary of the Analytical Study for the Safeguard Policy Review and Update: Safeguards and Climate Change
This consultation document provides a summary of the analytical study on Safeguards and Climate Change.
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Summary of the Analytical Study for the Safeguard Policy Review and Update: Safeguards in Different Financing Modalities
This consultation document provides a summary of the analytical study on Safeguards in Different Financing Modalities. Draft is open for comments until 31 May 2023.
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Consultation Summaries of Regional Consultations
The consultation summaries from the Regional Consultations and Discussion on Policy Architecture are now available. These summaries consolidate stakeholder feedback from regional consultations, country-level dialogues, and focused group discussions on key thematic areas as part of the Safeguard Policy Review and Update process.
Modernizing the Safeguard Policy Statement
ADB is conducting a comprehensive review and update of its 2009 Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS). In the 10 years of the policy’s implementation, ADB has improved the capacity of developing member countries and private sector clients to manage social and environmental risks. With the changing contexts in countries and regions, the SPS needs to be updated to remain relevant and robust in responding to evolving development needs.
The review process will be informed by the findings and studies conducted under the following:
Independent Evaluation Department evaluation reports
- Corporate Evaluation on the Effectiveness of the 2009 Safeguard Policy Statement
- Safeguards Operational Review: ADB Processes, Portfolio, Country Systems, and Financial Intermediaries
Technical assistance projects supporting the review and update
- 53125-001: Strengthening Safeguards Implementation in ADB Projects
- 54203-001: Strengthening ADB's Safeguard Policy Provisions and Procedures
Accountability Mechanism reports
Message from the Managing Director General
Managing Director General Woochong Um encourages stakeholders, including civil society, to take part in the consultation opportunities during the review of ADB's environmental and social safeguard policy.
Indicative Timeline of Updating
Overall schedule
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June-December 2020
Internal preparations
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June 2020-May 2021
Initial consultation and stakeholder outreach (Preliminary Information Sessions) (online)
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September 2020-September 2022
Background studies (Findings and Recommendations)
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November 2021-February 2023
Stakeholder Consultations on Analytical Studies
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June 2023
Expected Disclosure of the Draft Environmental and Social Framework on ADB website
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August-December 2023
Public Comment and Stakeholder Consultations on Draft Policy Paper (W-Paper with Environment and Social Framework)
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Q1 2024
Final Policy Paper (R-Paper with Environment and Social Framework)
Board engagement schedule
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31 August 2020
First Informal Board Seminar on the SPS update approach (Completed)
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22 April 2021/10 June 2021
Deep Dive with ADB Board of Directors (Completed)
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26 April 2022
Second Deep Dive Board Seminar with ADB Board of Directors (Completed)
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20 June 2023
Informal Board Seminar on new Environmental and Social Framework
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Q3 2023
(to be confirmed)Board consideration of the Draft Policy Paper (W-Paper)
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March 2024
ADB Board consideration of the Final Policy Paper (R-Paper)
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What ADB Has Done
Phase 1:
Initial Consultations and OutreachJune 2020 - May 2021
Completed with the launching of the Safeguard Policy Review and Update process, sharing of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and conduct of Preliminary Information Sessions and initial outreach.
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What ADB Is Doing
Phase 2:
Series of ConsultationsJune 2021 - March 2023
Analytical studies are being prepared and finalized, comparing ADB’s current safeguard policy provisions and procedures with other multilateral financing institutions to understand similarities and differences, and where it needs to go further to meet evolving and emergent safeguard issues. Consultations are almost completed.
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What's Next
Phase 3:
Analyze, Draft, Revise, and Finalize the PolicyDecember 2022 - March 2024
Focus on analyzing, drafing, revising, and finalizing the revised environmental and social safeguard policy standards based on stakeholder feedback and recommendations.
History of ADB’s Safeguard Policy
ADB's environmental and social safeguards are a cornerstone of its support to inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability in Asia and Pacific. The SPS consolidated three previous policies on environment, involuntary resettlement, and Indigenous Peoples.
1987-1994
Staff Instructions on Integrating Environment and Social Dimensions in Projects
