Working Differently in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations

Abstract

This flyer summarizes Asian Development Bank's experiences in fragile and conflict-affected situations, highlighting flexibility, sustainability, and partnership as guiding principles for working in such difficult situations.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) identifies fragile or conflict-affected countries as those of its developing member countries with weak governance, ineffective public administration and rule of law, and civil unrest. The abnormal circumstances brought about by fragility and conflict require special attention. Affected countries lag far behind in development as a result of political instability, weak governance, economic and geographic isolation, repeated cycles of violence, and vulnerability to climate change and disasters. For development aid to be effective, modes of engagement must be customized to the specific needs and local context of the affected country. Working differently in countries experiencing fragile or conflict-affected situations and helping them achieve and maintain peace and political stability are prerequisites to economic growth in these countries.

This flyer summarizes ADB's experiences in fragile and conflict-affected situations, highlighting flexibility, sustainability, and partnership as guiding principles for working in such difficult situations.