May 2023, Vol. 3, Issue 2

Bimonthly

• Peer learning network lets staff share their experiences in FCAS

• Second hybrid-format training on differentiated approaches concludes

• Discussing fragility and conflict at the World Bank spring meetings

• Security reports now hosted on FCAS community site

• ADB Library curates FCAS essential reading list

• Data visualization tool for FCAS portfolio to launch in May

Dear colleagues,

Today we introduce a revamped FCAS Bulletin to bring you the news about our activities and work to address fragility and conflict in ADB’s DMCs. We hope you enjoy the new look!

One of our most exciting initiatives over the past few months has been the establishment of the  FCAS and SIDS Peer Learning Network. The network brings together ADB staff and consultants working in or otherwise interested in FCAS topics to converse, share, and learn from one another. We have already organized two events—one during the last round of our training in March, and a second in the last week of April. For the latter event, we invited Brenda MacGregor from ADB's security team to speak on the adaptations and mindset needed to work effectively in fragile environments. This prompted several additional staff to share their own experiences in conflict-affected areas. A third Peer Learning Network event will take place later this month on 24 May. We invite you all to attend.

Our Introduction to Differentiated Approaches in FCAS and SIDS training series continued in March with another event in hybrid format. We continue to refine the training curriculum and update it with hot button topics – this time around we invited members of the Safeguards team to discuss challenges and solutions in resettlement, environmental and social protection, and working safely in conflict zones. Presentations and recordings from the training are available on the FCAS community site.

Elsewhere, the FCAS team participated in several fragility sessions held during the Spring Meetings of the World Bank. Sessions focused on fragility classification, climate financing in FCAS contexts, and tools for working in situations of forced displacement. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide recordings of all sessions due to World Bank policy, but a few recordings as well as PowerPoint presentations from most sessions are available via the above link on the FCAS community site.

The FCAS community site on SharePoint remains our central hub for knowledge and is now featuring two major collaborations with other ADB departments. The FCAS team is now hosting the latest security reports and assessments from the Security and Emergency Services Unit – a valuable and necessary resource for mission planning.

We are also happy to report that the ADB Library has prepared a curated list of FCAS-related publications. All are available to read online, with physical copies of a few accessible through the Library.

Lastly, all are invited to the upcoming launch of our Data Visualization Tool for the FCAS Portfolio. This new tool will help users navigate the project portfolio and extract useful metrics. Official invites to this interactive learning session will go out closer to the date.

Sincerely,

Samuel Tumiwa, OIC, SDTC

RECENT ACTIVITIES

Peer learning network lets staff share their experiences working in FCAS

The FCAS and SIDS peer learning network (PLN) is a knowledge-sharing opportunity that facilitates the flow of information and ideas among staff on relevant, engaging, and appealing topics. Coordinated through the FCAS team, the PLN is open to all ADB staff with an interest in FCAS and SIDS.

On 26 April, the PLN hosted a lunchtime meeting where Security and Emergency Services Specialist Brenda MacGregor, shared her experiences supporting project teams as the security focal for PARD. Brenda emphasized the need for adaptability and applying local knowledge to respond to conditions on the ground.

Read more about the Peer Learning Network.

Second hybrid-format training on differentiated approaches concludes

Thirty ADB staff and consultants attended the latest installment of our Introduction to Differentiated Approaches in FCAS and SIDS training series on 15–16 March, which introduced tools and procedures for working in the complex environments of FCAS and SIDS, with a special highlight on applying safeguards in fragile conditions.

The hybrid format of the training allowed for a seamless training experience online through Zoom, but about half the participants – including several RM staff who flew in for the occasion – attended in person. Presentations and recordings are archived on the event page. This training is held twice a year, with the next installment expected in October.

Discussing fragility and conflict at the World Bank spring meetings

ADB, represented by the FCAS team’s Samuel Tumiwa and Lainie Thomas, took part in a series of events on understanding and addressing fragility, conflict, and violence during the World Bank Spring Meetings from 11 to 14 April.

The activities organized by ADB, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank explored working collaboratively in fragile and high-risk situations, advances in managing fragile conditions, and initiatives to generate alliances. The sessions brought together the heads of the  fragility teams of seven MDBs to discuss the latest developments in their respective fragility approaches.  

View select presentations and session recordings here.

COMING EVENTS

FCAS Data Visualization Tool to launch on 23 May

The FCAS team is launching ADB’s FCAS and SIDS Data Visualization Tool (DataViz), which equips the user with important information to track trends, plot projections, and make informed analyses on fragile and vulnerable countries. Through this tool, the user has information on portfolio distribution, project performance rating, contract award, disbursement, completed products, and indicative pipeline all together in a visually pleasing and easy-to-navigate application. DataViz uses portfolio data from PFPM and PSOD on FCAS-classified DMCs and SIDS from 2015.

We will be launching this exciting application at the K-hub and on Teams on May 23, Tuesday, from 1:30-2:30pm. Have your device handy and join the interactive demo!

Email [email protected] to sign up and visit the FCAS Community site to know more.

KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTS

Security reports now hosted on FCAS community site

Monthly country- and regional-level security and risk reports are prepared by the Security Operations Center under the Corporate Services Department - Security and Emergency Services Unit (CSRS-SE). View all reports here.

ADB Library curates FCAS essential reading list

ADB Library has prepared a list of publications relevant to issues arising in FCAS and SIDS. It includes articles, working papers, briefs, reports, and books touching on topics such as climate vulnerability, displaced populations, economic migration, fragile states, governance, risk and resilience, and more. The publications are available online or in hard copy in the governance and social development area of the ADB Library.

See the list here.