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?