Virtual workshops are not as effective, particularly where new and complex concepts have to be discussed. This was demonstrated by the TA experience under COVID-19 that restricted in-person meetings and workshops for over 2 years.
It will be essential to find a balance in future TA projects between continuing support for the whole region and having activities and outputs focus on a subset of countries to allow for more granularity in analyses and deeper engagements. This was the first TA for the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) in the field of disaster risk financing (DRF), and as such, was designed to cover all 11 CAREC countries.
Land acquisition issues in PNG are more difficult to resolve than in other countries, as 97% of land is customarily owned. In this project, In this project, In this project, they were harder to contend with than expected at design stage due to changes in weather patterns that affected travel plans, with many of the sites located at sea. In a project as widely dispersed geographically as this one, more time will also have to be allowed for site access and community engagement activities.
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.
Nonmotorized transport improvements, such as pedestrian overpasses, pedestrian paths, segregated cycling lanes and improved sidewalks, boost safety, accessibility, and sustainability. These initiatives also promote a healthier environment and enhance urban livability and connectivity.
Designing workshops to include interactive sessions that promote active participation and feedback from all stakeholders will improve the effectiveness of stakeholder participation. This TA's expert interviews and workshops provided invaluable platforms for stakeholder engagement, facilitating diverse perspectives.
Presenting research findings at workshops is a way to secure relevant feedback and disseminate information. Workshops are highly effective in sharing knowledge, enhancing knowledge and awareness of Pacific-specific context and building capacity among participants. The workshops also confirmed the relevance and value of the analytical reports produced under this TA to Pacific small island developing states, ADB, and development partners.
It is important to thoroughly discuss and plan project implementation arrangements to ensure the use of the most appropriate and effective modalities. This could have mitigated initial delays and improved the efficiency from the outset of this TA that overall was well-articulated in terms of scope and the design and monitoring framework.
A separate budget for a fund-raising roadshow is essential to ensure the successful establishment of a funding facility. This should not have been neglected in the establishment of the CAREC Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund aimed for under this TA. Engaging with potential donors is a critical step in securing the necessary funding for the fund's operation.
A knowledge-sharing workshop in targeted beneficiary countries of a regional TA project could help strengthen the concept development of future such TA. This interactive approach offers several advantages, including: (i) Enhanced stakeholder engagement. A workshop focusing on the initial research findings would allow representatives from benefiting countries to participate actively from the outset. This would foster a sense of ownership and enhance buy-in for the initiative by ensuring stakeholders feel invested in its success. (ii) Improved needs identification.