Sustained efforts to strengthen relationships with government counterparts and other stakeholders, and direct communications with key project staff are essential for the successful implementation of knowledge TA and similar initiatives.
Establishing robust partnerships with country teams in resident missions is essential for designing capacity-building initiatives with DMCs and for generating buy-in to new approaches to engage with DMCs. ADB can use future thinking and foresight to engage with DMC agencies to develop interdisciplinary scenarios relevant to futures planning. The futures scenarios enable conversations beyond the most preferred futures which are normally described in national development plans.
Involving relevant stakeholders within ADB and in DMCs in the design and implementation phases enhances the relevance and impact of the TA outputs. IPCC was ideally placed to manage consultant engagement, prepare and complete the Synthesis Report of the Sixth Assessment Report, and disseminate findings. ADB can collaborate with IPCC further in other climate change-related activities
Leveraging regional platforms is essential in ensuring that the knowledge generated from a TA is widely disseminated to the intended users, as it fosters collaboration among various stakeholders and promotes continuous learning across DMCs. Noting the urgency and importance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC)) report and its implications, it was appropriate to organize dissemination workshops for ADB Staff (including ADB Board members), and for DMC government officials and civil society organizations, so that mutual understanding could lead to integrated activities.
The development of specialized expertise requires careful selection and the engagement of qualified consultants and proper management of expectations from all parties. Future thinking and foresight is a specialized expertise. It is crucial to identify and engage consultants with proven experience to ensure they can provide the necessary guidance and insights. It is also a new approach for ADB and thus, clear onboarding, communication, and setting expectations for both Staff and consultants who were critiical to the success of the TA.
Regular involvement of country teams from resident missions and with external partner experts in the field are crucial in ensuring the continued relevance and significance of TA support. For this TA, the design and planning were also informed by discussion with relevant department leading country programming work.
Joint activities with development partners (DPs), such as collaboration in knowledge products and joint conduct of capacity-building activities, could maximize synergies and resources further. These could build on close coordination and relationships developed by this project among CAREC countries, as well with DPs which the project team strengthened through regular communication and information exchange, and by inviting the DPs to TA workshops and consultation meetings.
The appointment of TA country focals is critical for sustained coordination and to ensure that TA activities remain relevant and responsive to each of the countries' priorities and needs. But in this case, the nature of TA activities required the involvement of other government agencies in each country, such as the ministries of emergency situations, and in particular, the ministries of finance and the ministries of health. Increased engagement with RMs and national experts will be useful to ensure intersectoral coordination in subsequent TAs in this field.
Changes during implementation, including design changes and modifications to project components, affect project progress, emphasizing the need for thorough initial planning and further community consultations to avoid disruptions.
Urban land acquisition in densely populated areas poses significant challenges. Compensation rates may rise during implementation, driven by urbanization rather than project schedules, potentially causing delays beyond the control of the project. Aligning civil engineering procurement with land acquisition progress is essential to prevent contractual disputes. Close collaboration, clear milestones, and effective communication mitigate risks. Establishing a resettlement information system aids in early issue identification, maintaining transparency.