about 3 years ago // Sustainable development
The Vizhinjam international seaport is a $1 billion development project in India's state of Kerala, being built by the Adani Group. Five years into construction, the environmental, social, and economic toll of the project require a midstream course correction.
about 4 years ago // World Bank
The public turmoil surrounding the bank's Doing Business report masks an even more fundamental problem — but there are ways to build a better index.
almost 10 years ago // MDB Safeguards
Three safeguards policy experts say the World Bank now proposes replacing its safeguard policies with weaker and aspirational "standards" that may be met "flexibly" during a project's execution.
over 10 years ago // #SustainDev
There is no "one size fits all" for greater inclusion, but as inclusion assumes a big part of the SDGs, learning from the experience of programs for greater inclusion assumes urgency. A guest op-ed from Vinod Thomas, director general of independent evaluation at the Asian Development Bank.
over 10 years ago // Vinod Thomas on ADB's evolution
ADB's emerging strategy and internal reforms are motivated by the value of an operational shift in the organization's offerings in the direction of a more inclusive and climate-friendly portfolio. An exclusive commentary from the director general of the bank's Independent Evaluation Department.
about 11 years ago // Vinod Thomas on multilateral development banks
At this week's annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group, one of the buzz topics will surely be the ongoing reform of the institution's safeguards policy. In a guest opinion, a senior official currently evaluating ADB safeguards suggests how MDBs can meet financial commitments without endangering social and environmental outcomes.
over 11 years ago // Vinod Thomas on impact evaluations
Impact evaluations of development programs are not yet common in policymaking, but they can guide policy and investments based on evidence instead of them being driven mostly by special interests. A guest opinion by Vinod Thomas, head of ADB's Independent Evaluation Department.
over 11 years ago // Vinod Thomas on good governance in Asia
Asian economies are outpacing the rest, but many countries still rank poorly on good governance. While it may be no panacea for development, it's imperative to address this challenge for inclusive, sustainable growth, the head of ADB's Independent Evaluation Committee writes in a guest opinion.