World Bank Safeguards
Review and Update
Agi Kiss
WB Safeguards Training Workshop
Almaty, December 2012
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What and when?
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A two-year internal and consultative process to review and update its
environmental and social safeguards policies
Part of WB’s modernization agenda (includes separate reviews of
investment lending & procurement policies
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Approved by WB Board in October 2012
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Consultation schedule:
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November 2012 – February 2013, first round of internal (WB) and external
(global public) consultations on the Approach Paper, concept of an
“Integrated Framework,” consultation with external experts on emerging
areas, focus groups including affected communities
May – November 2013: on draft Integrated Framework, issue-specific econferences
Dec 2013 – June 2014: final Integrated Framework and proposed changes
to operational policies (online and Face to Face)
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Why?
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Safeguard Policies embody the core values of WB:
cornerstone of WB’s efforts to protect people and the
environment and promote sustainable development
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Review and update will support evolution of SG policies
to help WB and Borrowers better achieve these results
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Responds to internal and external demands including:
changing Borrower needs and WB operations, growing
role of the private sector, increased awareness of value
and vulnerability of the global commons
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Responds to recent WB internal evaluation of the
effectiveness of SG policies and their implementation
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Objectives and Parameters
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Build on existing core principles of the SG policies
Clarify objectives and desired outcomes
Distinguish among principles, policies and procedures
Consolidate fragmented policies, eliminate duplications and
contradictions, streamline guidance
Improve coverage of environmental and social risks
Increase focus on strengthening country systems & institutions
Better delineate roles & responsibilities of Bank and Borrowers
Strike the right balance among sometimes competing
demands, needs, aspirations of different stakeholders
Develop an Integrated Framework that will promote
environmentally and socially sustainable development
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Integrated Framework will:
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Articulate overall objectives and values (enhancing
development effectiveness and sustainability of WB
investment lending operations)
Build a common vision around desired environmental
and social outcomes
Define the Operational Policies to meet these objectives
Describe the processes by which the policies will be
implemented
Enhance linkages between Bank and country institutions
Help design and deliver tailored capacity and instituion
building programs
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Scope
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Covers all current Environmental and Social SG policies
Proposed policy revisions will focus on Investment Lending
Will consider some other areas based on stakeholder requests
(“emerging issues”) – if and how to address them, consistent
with WB Articles of Agreement and business model (not
necessarily as additional SG policies):
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Human rights
Labor and occupational health and safety
Gender
Land tenure
Natural resources
Climate Change
Free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples
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