ADB Strengthens Safeguards to Protect Vulnerable Groups in Development Projects

The Asian Development Bank’s new primer explains how its Environmental and Social Framework requires projects to identify, protect and include disadvantaged or vulnerable groups at every stage of development. It stresses tailored safeguards, inclusive consultations and strong monitoring to ensure that no one is disproportionately harmed or left out of project benefits.

The Asian Development Bank has sent a strong message to governments and project developers across Asia and the Pacific: development must work for everyone, especially those most at risk of being left behind. In February 2026, ADB’s Office of Safeguards released a new primer explaining how its Environmental and Social Framework should protect disadvantaged or vulnerable people in every project it finances.

The document makes one point very clear. Building roads, power plants or schools is not enough if the poorest, the marginalized or the socially excluded suffer harm or fail to benefit. Inclusion is not just a moral goal. It is a requirement built into ADB’s rules.

Who Are the Vulnerable?

The primer defines disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals as those more likely to be adversely affected by a project, less able to benefit from it, or excluded from decision-making and grievance processes. This can include people living in poverty, women facing discrimination, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, Indigenous Peoples, older persons, displaced communities and informal settlers.

Importantly, the document highlights that vulnerabilities often overlap. A woman with a disability from a low-income Indigenous community may face multiple layers of risk. Recognizing these overlapping challenges is central to better project planning.

ADB’s framework includes ten environmental and social standards, seven of which specifically address the needs of vulnerable groups. These standards require borrowers to identify those at risk early, assess potential impacts carefully and design measures that prevent harm and promote equal access to benefits.

Stronger Rules Across Key Areas

Under the assessment standard, project developers must identify who could be disproportionately affected and design tailored solutions. For example, if land acquisition affects women who lack formal land titles, compensation and support must reflect their actual situation, not just what appears on paper.

Labor standards prohibit discrimination in hiring and working conditions. Vulnerable workers must receive fair treatment, equal pay and safe conditions. The health and safety standard requires extra attention where communities face higher exposure to pollution, disease or workplace risks.

For projects involving Indigenous Peoples, meaningful consultation is mandatory. In certain cases, free, prior and informed consent must be obtained before moving forward. The framework also addresses climate change, ensuring that vulnerable communities are consulted about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Stakeholder engagement is another key pillar. Project information must be shared in ways people can understand. Grievance mechanisms must be accessible, inclusive and responsive, so that anyone affected can safely raise concerns.

From Planning to Action

The primer goes beyond rules and focuses on how to put them into practice. It walks through the entire project cycle, from early screening to monitoring and completion.

At the planning stage, developers are encouraged to use social screening tools and collect data broken down by gender, disability, ethnicity and income. This helps ensure that no group is overlooked. Consultations should be safe and accessible, including translation, sign language support or separate meetings where needed.

In fragile or conflict-affected areas, identifying vulnerable groups can sometimes create risks. The primer advises working carefully in such contexts, possibly using anonymous consultations or indirect data collection to avoid exposing people to harm.

During project design, tailored solutions are essential. Infrastructure should follow universal access principles, such as ramps and accessible facilities. Livelihood programs should reflect the needs of displaced or marginalized families. Occupational health and safety plans should protect workers who may face additional risks.

Monitoring Results That Matter

Implementation is only the beginning. The primer stresses continuous monitoring to ensure commitments are actually delivered. Hiring practices should remain inclusive. Measures to prevent sexual exploitation and harassment must be strictly enforced. Community feedback should be actively gathered and addressed.

Data should be tracked and analyzed to see whether benefits are reaching vulnerable groups. Independent audits and community participation in monitoring can strengthen transparency and accountability.

The document also includes practical guidance for sectors such as education, health, energy, transport and agriculture. It encourages project teams to ask simple but critical questions: Who might be excluded? What barriers exist? How can these barriers be removed?

ADB’s message is straightforward. Development success is not measured only by infrastructure built or money invested. It is measured by whether the most vulnerable are safer, heard, respected and able to share in the benefits. Inclusive growth, the bank argues, is the foundation of sustainable progress.