Session Description
E&S safeguards evolved since the 1980s as MDBs responded to recognition that development projects could result in adverse E&S impacts. Initially established to assess and manage E&S risks, these frameworks expanded to E&S standards at IFC, then at the World Bank. Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) 2024 (effective Jan 2026) comprises E&S Policy specifying ADB requirements, and 10 E&S Standards specifying borrowers/clients’ requirements on ADB-financed projects.
The establishment of the World Bank Inspection Panel in 1993 marked a major shift by creating an independent mechanism where project-affected people could seek recourse for harm. ADB established its Inspection Function in 1995, which became the Accountability Mechanism in 2003. These mechanisms transformed safeguards from project preparation requirements to accountability standards subject to independent compliance review. E&S impact assessments, risk management, consultation, disclosure and mitigation measures became both risk-management tools and benchmarks for institutional accountability. While E&S safeguards’ scope, ambition and complexity expanded, the foundation remains the principle of “do no harm.”
Drawing on the experience of ADB’s E&S safeguard experts and the Accountability Mechanism, the session examines the relevance of this principle given the recent updates to ADB’s ESF to push beyond “do no harm”, explores why impact assessments may fail to identify risks and impacts adequately, and analyzes the root causes of safeguard implementation shortcomings. The session considers these issues from the perspectives of ADB Management and ADB Accountability Mechanism.
Session Summary
Drawing on the experience of ADB E&S safeguard experts and the Accountability Mechanism, the session examines the continuing relevance of the principle of “do no harm”, explores why impact assessments may fail to adequately identify risks and impacts, and analyzes the root causes of safeguard implementation shortcomings.
Session Chair
Ramanie Kunanayagam
Compliance Review Panel, Asian Development Bank
Philippines
Session Co-chair
Felix Oku
Office of Safeguards, Asian Development Bank
Philippines