The Accountability Mechanism of ADB exists to provide an independent and effective forum for those affected by ADB-assisted projects to voice their concerns.
Following the comprehensive review and update of the Safeguard Policy Statement (2009), ADB launched the formal review of its Accountability Mechanism Policy (2012). Prior to this formal review, ADB completed an external review of the Accountability Mechanism Policy (2012) to provide ADB with important perspectives to consider in the 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.
The joint Board-Management Working Group for the Accountability Mechanism Review was established in September 2024 to lead the formal review of the Accountability Mechanism Policy (2012). Regional in-person and virtual consultations have been undertaken to hear views of external stakeholders from March 2025 with the wrap-up sessions conducted at ADB Headquarters in Manila on 10 and 11 July 2025. Written feedback and comments on the Consultation Paper were received through the dedicated email until 30 June 2025. Below are documents relating to the review of ADB’s Accountability Mechanism:
Presentations relating to the review of ADB’s Accountability Mechanism:
The review is being conducted in two phases:
External desktop review conducted by external consultants to examine the scope of improving and updating the Accountability Mechanism. The external review report analyzed the effectiveness, efficiency and adequacy of the current Accountability Mechanism Policy (2012), provided guidance on emerging issues relevant to the Accountability Mechanism, and compared ADB’s Accountability Mechanism with relevant comparators.
The Formal Review will build on the outputs of the Initial Review and the public comments received, as well as a study on costs and benefits conducted pursuant to paragraph 212 of the Accountability Mechanism Policy (2012). The Formal Review will be led by a joint Board and Management working group. The Formal Review phase will include extensive and inclusive public consultations with project-affected people, project beneficiaries, governments (including early engagement with developing member countries), project executing and implementing agencies, civil society organizations, private sector, academia, think tanks, peer institutions, and other relevant stakeholders. It is envisaged consultation and working paper(s) will be prepared, which will be disclosed for public comments and circulated to the Board for guidance. Thereafter, a final updated Accountability Mechanism Policy will be submitted for Board approval.
| 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–November 2024 The working group reviewed 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. |
| September 2024 External review report published on ADB’s website for public comments until 28 November 2024. |
November 2024–July 2025 A Stakeholder Engagement Plan was prepared and published on ADB's website. A consultation paper was prepared, and disclosed on ADB's website for public comments. Extensive and inclusive public and internal consultations have been conducted. |
| September 2024 Decision by the Board and the President to commence the Formal Review |
August–November 2025 Feedback from consultations and preparatory works leading to the production of a working paper undertaken. December 2025–March 2026 A working paper will be prepared. April–May 2026 The working paper will be finalized, submitted to the Board for discussion and disclosed on ADB's website for comments. May–August 2026 Comprehensive external and internal stakeholder engagement and consultations on the working paper will be conducted. September–November 2026 A revised Accountability Mechanism Policy will be prepared. November–December 2026 A revised Accountability Mechanism Policy will be submitted to the Board for approval followed by public disclosure. |
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.
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