ADB study tour

Learning goals

The ADB selected the participants from among the projects it finances. “Our first priority was to make sure that the participants got the most out of a study tour. Fortunately, the ADB was very clear and had set learning goals,” said the study tour organiser NWP’s Mark Niesten.

Make the connection

Thirty-five ADB staff and project members from nine countries then came to the Netherlands. The study tour included a seminar, workshops and field visits to state-of-the-art Dutch water expertise. Mark continues. “It was very intensive and, apart from the tour itself, we also looked for opportunities to connect the ADB and the participants with organisations in the Dutch water sector.”

Bringing water projects to the next level

The ADB participants look back at a very useful week demonstrating the state of the art in integrated flood risk management from a variety of perspectives and stakeholders. They reported that it was relevant for their everyday work due to the practical focus of the visit and that they can use what they learned to improve water and flood risk management in their own countries. Tom Panella, ADB’s Chief of Water Sector Group, stated “This was a very useful experience for our developing member country participants. Their new-found knowledge will help them bring their water projects to the next level. We are very satisfied with NWP’s organisation of the event from the technical to the logistical aspects. They really know how to set up a diverse and intensive programme that met our expectations and learning goals.”

NWP has previously organised study tours for the World Bank. These study tours also offer the Dutch water sector an opportunity to meet with financial institutions, learn about the work of others and expand its network.