CDB Implements Collaboration with CLEAR–LAC to Strengthen Caribbean M&E Systems

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), through its Office of Independent Evaluation (OIE), has signed an agreement with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC-Chile), host of the Center for Learning on Evaluation and Results for Latin America and the Caribbean (CLEAR–LAC), an implementing partner of the Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI). The collaboration aims to strengthen national evaluation capacities and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems across the Caribbean.

CLEAR–LAC supports countries in building stronger M&E systems that contribute to evidence-based decision-making and improved public policies. The partnership directly advances OIE’s strategic objective to enhance evaluation systems and foster a culture of learning across the region. It will also help integrate Caribbean evaluation actors into broader Latin American and global networks of practice.

Emphasizing the strategic vision behind the collaboration, Roberto La Rovere, Head of CDB’s OIE, said, “Evaluation in CDB is based on applying global best practice, adapted to the context of CDB and the Caribbean region. Within that, our capacity strengthening efforts aim to support a new generation of leaders in evaluation from the region. Partnering with CLEAR–LAC is one step towards realizing that vision.”

The multi-year collaboration will feature targeted activities starting in 2025. The first initiative will deliver an M&E system strengthening plan for Trinidad and Tobago. In 2026, CLEAR–LAC will facilitate delivery of the course "Introduction to M&E of Public Policies" to government representatives from CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries. CLEAR–LAC will also support regional evaluation events, organized by the OIE beginning in 2026, including a dedicated workshop tailored to the needs of Caribbean government representatives.

Underscoring the significance of the partnership, Cristian Crespo, CLEAR–LAC Executive Director said, “CLEAR–LAC facilitates the strengthening of national M&E systems, individual capacity development from training and knowledge exchange in M&E across Latin America and the Caribbean, and globally through the GEI. Through this strategic partnership with OIE-CDB, we look forward to contributing to strengthening results-based management efforts currently led by the governments of multiple Caribbean nations and facilitating dialogue with other countries facing similar challenges.”