<\/p>\n
More than 50 representatives gathered in Vienna for the three-day workshop led by the African Development Bank Group, OPEC Fund for International Development and the Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The meeting marked the second phase of a capacity-building initiative launched in June 2025.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Senior regulatory officials attended from Chad, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Niger, Senegal and Uganda.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Participants also included representatives from multilateral and regional development banks, UN agencies, development funds and environmental consultancies.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Training covered land acquisition, resettlement, biodiversity, social inclusion, cultural heritage and occupational and community safety.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Participants also considered financing and monitoring environmental and social management plans and improving cooperation between national regulators and financial institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cEnvironmental and social safeguards do not sit on the sidelines of development. They are integral to making development more sustainable, inclusive and equitable,\u201d OPEC Fund Vice-President for Strategy Musab Alomar said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cEnsuring strong environmental and social standards in the projects we finance is a shared responsibility and a cornerstone of effective development.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The initiative builds on assessments conducted by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) in more than 20 African countries.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The assessments examine national policies, institutions and systems responsible for identifying and managing environmental and social risks associated with development projects.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
AfDB Environmental and Social Safeguards and Compliance Department Director Professor Maman-Sani Issa said the partnership provided practical opportunities for countries to exchange experience and strengthen capacity.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThe objective is to equip our regional Member Countries with the knowledge and practical skills required to integrate environmental and social considerations into project design and implementation,\u201d Issa said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cStronger country systems will help improve sustainable use and preservation of the natural and human capitals across our Member Countries.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment led discussions on financing the monitoring of management plans and strengthening regulatory compliance.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Participants also explored opportunities for co-financing and further institutional capacity development.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The next phase will provide tailored national training addressing country-specific weaknesses.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The partners said stronger safeguards would help governments and financial institutions manage risks more effectively while improving the sustainability and development impact of projects.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
–AfDB\/ChannelAfrica–<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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