AI in Evaluation: Inclusive and Ethical Processes

This interactive session will present and explore concepts and examples of how artificial intelligence can transform evaluation practice. Insights will be shared around dramatically lowering barriers to entry and making evaluation tools, methods, and learning accessible to diverse stakeholders beyond traditional evaluation experts. As polarization increases globally, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to democratize evaluation practices, therefore enabling communities, policymakers, and practitioners to engage with evidence in more meaningful ways, bridge understanding across divides, and build consensus through shared analysis.

Drawing from CGIAR's experience in developing the ethical AI Method Note for the Evaluation Function, we'll examine how AI-enhanced evaluation can address critical questions: How can AI make evaluation more inclusive and participatory, amplifying previously marginalized voices? How might democratized evaluation tools support climate action and ensure just transitions at local levels? And how can reducing technical barriers to evaluation help address power imbalances and inequalities? How can emerging innovative technologies, particularly AI, be integrated in the evaluation cycle?

Participants will engage with practical demonstrations of accessible AI applications, explore ethical considerations including bias and privacy, and collaboratively envision new models for evaluation that balance democratized access with quality and rigor. Join us to explore how responsible AI integration can transform evaluation from an expert-driven practice to an inclusive process that builds bridges across divides and drives collaborative solutions to our most pressing global challenges.