Dear Mr. President,

At the start of your presidency, we would like to express the following expectations:

• The institutionalization of regular, transparent, and structured dialogue between the AfDB and CSOs, including those from impacted local communities;
• Stronger consideration of CSO contributions in the design, implementation, and
  evaluation of projects;
  
• Inclusive and accessible consultation processes on sectoral policies, country strategies, and internal reforms;
• Enhanced support for CSO participation in regional and continental initiatives led by the Bank (energy, climate, gender, digitalization, infrastructure, etc.);
• Effective protection against reprisals for communities and civil society actors who
  speak out about project-related impacts;
• Prioritization of resources and staff capacity for effective implementation of the
  AfDB's environmental and social standards and requirements;
• Maintaining and strengthening strong, independent accountability mechanisms that
  deliver remedy for communities who have been harmed by development projects.