The World Bank has published a guidance note on how best to engage with local communities throughout a project cycle.
The World Bank requires borrower governments to conduct consultations with stakeholders during the design of certain types of projects, and advises them to conduct consultations throughout the implementation of the projects whenever needed. However, there are no specific standards on what qualify “good consultation”.
The World Bank Guidance note, “Stakeholder Consultations in Investment Operations”, was created in an effort to clarify what a responsible consultation should look like and provide practical “how to” knowledge. The note also reinforces the importance and benefits of consultation not only to get the buy in of the communities but also, and more important, to obtain their views and better identify opportunities and risks from and to a project and the best ways to deal with those risks.
These guidelines are recommendations, not requirements, so being familiar with this information is important for NGOs so that they can specifically request that they be followed.
Stakeholder Consultations in Investment Operations