While the data revolution is unlikely to fundamentally transform the field of evaluation in the next few years, in many ways it will change the way evaluations are conducted and how data are used. What are some of the implications for evaluation training and professional development?

Working in partnership with the Rio Grande do Sul State Government and local stakeholders, the CLEAR-LAB team supported policymakers in upgrading the Primeira Infância Melhor Program (PIM) in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the focus is on helping get food to the hungry, providing basic services to displaced populations, or restoring peace and dealing with the devastating consequences of war, how important could it be to focus on M&E?

As the Global Evaluation Initiative community sets off on its journey, a crucial question to keep track of is: how will we know if we are making a difference?

While we live in a reality where multiple evaluation models are being put into practice, one should ask the question, what are the core skills and knowledge elements that evaluators and other evaluation stakeholders should be equipped with?

Can you imagine getting a prescription from a doctor without being diagnosed first? You would protest it as guesswork. Even the finest doctors need to review symptoms before suggesting the right approach.

Along with making progress on the technical side, we should develop the capacity to effectively convey messages about evaluation, information, and evidence.

It is vital that gender and inclusion are mainstreamed across national M&E systems. Essentially, robust M&E systems are feedback mechanisms that enable stronger governance and informed decision-making.

Robust M&E systems are essential for governments and institutions. Yet, many countries still lack effective M&E systems, making evidence-informed decision-making difficult. M&E isn’t new. After decades of effort, we need to ask: WHY aren’t we nearly there yet?