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​Fourth Report in Panel’s Emerging Lessons Series Covers Consultation, Participation & Disclosure of Information

The Inspection Panel on October 10 released the fourth report in its Emerging Lessons Series. Thereport, which identifies lessons from Panel cases related to consultation, participation and disclosure of information, was released at the 2017 International Monetary Fund-World Bank Group Annual Meetings. Panel ChairmanGonzalo Castro de la Matamoderated a discussion on the topic at the event with World Bank Chief Executive OfficerKristalina Georgieva, Oxfam America President and CEOAbby MaxmanandJason Allford, the Executive Director at the Bank’s Board representing Australia, Cambodia, Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand and 10 Pacific island countries.

The Panel’s Emerging Lessons Series is meant to build institutional knowledge at the World Bank, enhance accountability and contribute to more effective development. The first three reports, on lessons from cases involvinginvoluntary resettlement,indigenous peoplesandenvironmental assessmentwere released in April and October 2016 and April 2017, respectively.

Of the 120 Requests for Inspection received by the Panel, 106 have involved the interconnected issues of consultation, participation and disclosure of information. These issues were included in 30 of the 34 cases the Panel has investigated. The Panel’s new report identifies five lessons that can be learned from those investigated cases:

Identifying all relevant stakeholders and engaging with appropriate representatives is crucial to establishing meaningful consultation and participation.Disclosing all critical project-related information, including on potential risks and impacts, in a timely and accessible manner is the foundation for ensuring effective and meaningful participation.Timely and accessible consultations that utilize culturally appropriate communication tools and give due consideration to the local context are essential. Consultation and participation should be continuous, foster two-way communication and adequately respond to feedback from affected communities.Considering the objectives of the different consultation requirements under the World Bank’s safeguard policies is important.

To watch a video about the new report,click here.