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Enhancing Access to Information
Asian Development Bank (ADB) enhances access to information
By A CORRESSPONDENT
To promote awareness on the disclosure requirements of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB’s) recently approved public communications policy (PCP) and the public’s right to obtain information from it, ADB organized separate meetings with the civil society representatives and the Government officials in Kathmandu .
ADB’s new PCP became effective on 1 September 2005 , replacing its 2 policies adopted in 1994: Information Policy and Strategy and the Policy on Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information. The PCP provides a framework for ADB to communicate more effectively. It covers ADB’s outreach strategy and new requirements for the disclosure of information.
The PCP enables greater access to information and expands opportunities for those affected by ADB operations to influence decisions that shape their lives. The policy supports the right of people to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas about ADB-assisted projects. Through the PCP, ADB seeks to provide information in a timely, clear, and relevant manner and to share information with project-affected people early enough to allow them to provide meaningful inputs into project design. The policy aims to enhance stakeholders’ trust in and ability to engage with ADB.
One marked difference in this policy is that ADB will presume information can be disclosed in the absence of compelling reason for confidentiality. The new PCP will ensure that ADB does not selectively disclose information; people should have equal access to the information that ADB makes publicly available under the policy.
Cindy Malvicini, Head of the Public Information and Disclosure Unit at ADB’s Department of External Relations, made presentations at the two sessions held on 29 November and 1 December 2005. Twenty-seven representatives of various civil society organizations and 28 Government officials participated in these meetings.
ADB is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance. Established in 1966, it is owned by 63 members, with 45 from the region. In 2004, it approved loans and technical assistance worth US$5.3 billion and US$196.6 million, respectively.
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