DSU briefing paper on the World Bank’s new Environmental and Social Framework
The World Bank is revising its approach to safeguards. It is moving towards increased borrower ownership and a better balance between assessment and implementation of projects. The Bank’s draft Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) has ignited a worldwide debate on the pros and cons of this approach. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) asked the DSU to prepare a briefing paper on the ESF, to inform the MFA position in this debate.
The DSU reviewed inception reports of the ‘Water for Lakes State’ and ‘Water for Eastern Equatoria State’ programmes in South Sudan. The Netherlands Embassy in Juba, which funds the programmes, requested the reviews. It asked the DSU for suggestions to improve integration of sustainability aspects (environment, climate change, gender equality) in the programmes.
In two advisory reports the DSU gave detailed recommendations for improvement. The Embassy found the DSU review very supportive and indicated that it will use the results in its own review of the inception reports.
In November 2014, the climate cluster of IGG (DGIS) implemented an online course on climate change. The DSU was asked to contribute to the content of this e-course. Other partners were Ennuonline and WRI. Input for specific components such as Webinars was provided by experts working at a range of policy and knowledge organisations. The course covered topics like climate-smart development and climate finance. The 81 course participants included professionals from Dutch embassies, various ministries, and NGOs.
DSU advice to DGIS on output reporting of climate change results
The DSU is supporting DGIS in a process towards a new type of reporting with regard to its climate change contributions. Until now, this reporting was primarily carried out in terms of input: funds earmarked for activities that contribute to climate change mitigation or adaptation. Reporting about output – the results of such activities – is less straightforward and requires a new approach.