Greetings from around the world! We are Denis Jobin, Florence Etta, Roxana Gomez, Hayat Askar, and Mariia Matsepa, a group of evaluators deeply involved with EVALSDGs, mainly focusing on our experiences in developing countries, especially the need to embed practical evaluation and evaluation systems in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). EVALSDGs aims to form a strong evaluation partnership to inform, support, measure and assess development efforts to inform better and help development partners meet their commitments toward the SDGs. As a network of interested and skilled policy makers, institutions and practitioners who advocate for better use of evaluation, EVALSDGs, as a knowledge broker, is well positioned to generate knowledge about good evaluation practices that add value to both the evaluation profession and the duty bearer accountable toward SDG commitments and right holder, ultimate beneficiaries of collective actions addressing the SDG development challenges.
In this blog, we’re excited to share how our work aligns with the recent United Nations resolution on the role of Country led evaluation in strengthening the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and the broader evaluation of SDGs.
Hot Tips
Our experiences in developing countries offer valuable insights:
- Context matters: Working in the global south taught us the importance of tailoring SDG evaluations to local contexts. Diverse socio-economic dynamics require customized evaluation strategies.
- Engagement is key: Involvement with local communities and stakeholders is essential for practical SDG evaluation, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
- Adapting to VNRs: The UN’s resolution (on the role and importance of country-led evaluation in strengthening the VNRs has strengthened our commitment to strengthen the national evaluation system in support of SDG achievement. We’ve learned to align our methods with these reviews, ensuring they are comprehensive, inclusive, and reflective of diverse cultural, economic, and political environments.
- Collaboration boosts impact: Partnering with national, subnational, and local governments and NGOs has enhanced our effectiveness, allowing us to contribute more significantly to development partner commitment in meeting the SDGs.
- Embracing diversity: The strength of EVALSDGs lies in the diverse backgrounds of its members, encompassing various sectors. This diversity introduces multiple perspectives to the evaluation of SDGs.
- The power of teamwork: Our involvement in groups like the Briefing Papers and Guidance Working Groups has highlighted the effectiveness of teamwork in producing impactful resources.
- Advocacy matters: Our work in advocating for SDG evaluation has taught us that it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of these goals and demonstrate how effective evaluation strategies can lead to tangible changes.
- Sharing is growing: The knowledge exchange within and external to EVALSDGs has been incredibly beneficial. We have gained insights into various sectors, enhancing our professional growth related to support of SDG-related intervention evaluation. Get involved!!
Rad Resources
For those interested in making a difference in sustainable development, joining EVALSDGs can be a game changer as the value of the network is a function of its membership size and quality. Your involvement can help shape effective strategies for evaluating and achieving the SDGs.
EVALSDGs provide various resources useful in VNRs and evaluations in diverse settings. These resources are accessible online and offer insights into effective SDG evaluation practices.
Conclusion
To wrap up, our work with EVALSDGs has been a journey of impactful learning and meaningful contributions. Together, we can make a substantial impact on sustainable development. By joining forces with networks like EVALSDGs and aligning with global initiatives like the UN’s VNR resolution, we can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world. Join us in this vital mission!
Do you have questions, concerns, kudos, or content to extend this aea365 contribution? Please add them in the comments section for this post on the aea365 webpage so that we may enrich our community of practice. Would you like to submit an aea365 Tip? Please send a note of interest to aea365@eval.org . aea365 is sponsored by the American Evaluation Association and provides a Tip-a-Day by and for evaluators. The views and opinions expressed on the AEA365 blog are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the American Evaluation Association, and/or any/all contributors to this site.