Evidence to Action: Evaluation as a framework for sustainable program growth in polarized environments
Panel Discussion | In person
-
Organized by:
University of Georgia
- In partnership with: Solution Alternatives International (SAI)
About the Event
This event examines how robust evaluation frameworks can provide compelling evidence of both policy and program effectiveness, helping to bridge political divides and ensure continuity of valuable initiatives. In today's increasingly polarized world, we are witnessing concerning trends where established programs and policies are abruptly terminated without consideration of evidence, raising critical questions for the M&E community about our own effectiveness.
This event series particularly contributes to the "Sustainability, Efficiency, and Growth" sub-theme of Glocal Evaluation Week 2025 by examining how robust evaluation frameworks can ensure the sustainability of effective policies and programs despite political transitions. When evidence-based initiatives are prematurely terminated due to political changes rather than performance considerations, this represents an inefficient use of resources and undermines sustainable development. Our panels will explore methodologies that enhance the longevity and efficiency of valuable programs by grounding decisions in evidence rather than political rhetoric.
A concerning trend has emerged in recent years where policies and programs are increasingly terminated without sufficient consideration of evidence regarding their effectiveness. Various factors contribute to this phenomenon—political transitions, shifting donor priorities, changing economic conditions, or emerging social dynamics—all of which can lead to the abrupt discontinuation of long-standing initiatives despite significant investment and without proper evaluation of their impacts. When evaluation frameworks are weak or absent, valuable programs become especially vulnerable to termination based on subjective perceptions rather than evidence-based assessments. This challenge transcends geographic boundaries and governance systems, affecting development initiatives, public sector reforms, and social programs worldwide. These patterns raise critical questions for M&E practitioners: How can evaluation systems be strengthened to generate evidence that withstands changes in institutional leadership and priorities? How should methodologies be adapted to ensure findings remain relevant and compelling across different contexts and to diverse stakeholders?
Our sessions will explore practical approaches for designing, implementing, and institutionalizing evaluation systems for both policies and programs that can withstand political pressures. By focusing on Georgian experiences while drawing parallels to global challenges, we aim to demonstrate how comprehensive evaluation frameworks can shift the focus from political rhetoric to demonstrable results, even in highly contested policy areas.
This event series particularly contributes to the "Sustainability, Efficiency, and Growth" sub-theme of Glocal Evaluation Week 2025 by examining how robust evaluation frameworks can ensure the sustainability of effective policies and programs despite political transitions. When evidence-based initiatives are prematurely terminated due to political changes rather than performance considerations, this represents an inefficient use of resources and undermines sustainable development. Our panels will explore methodologies that enhance the longevity and efficiency of valuable programs by grounding decisions in evidence rather than political rhetoric.
A concerning trend has emerged in recent years where policies and programs are increasingly terminated without sufficient consideration of evidence regarding their effectiveness. Various factors contribute to this phenomenon—political transitions, shifting donor priorities, changing economic conditions, or emerging social dynamics—all of which can lead to the abrupt discontinuation of long-standing initiatives despite significant investment and without proper evaluation of their impacts. When evaluation frameworks are weak or absent, valuable programs become especially vulnerable to termination based on subjective perceptions rather than evidence-based assessments. This challenge transcends geographic boundaries and governance systems, affecting development initiatives, public sector reforms, and social programs worldwide. These patterns raise critical questions for M&E practitioners: How can evaluation systems be strengthened to generate evidence that withstands changes in institutional leadership and priorities? How should methodologies be adapted to ensure findings remain relevant and compelling across different contexts and to diverse stakeholders?
Our sessions will explore practical approaches for designing, implementing, and institutionalizing evaluation systems for both policies and programs that can withstand political pressures. By focusing on Georgian experiences while drawing parallels to global challenges, we aim to demonstrate how comprehensive evaluation frameworks can shift the focus from political rhetoric to demonstrable results, even in highly contested policy areas.
Sessions
Panel Discussion
|
In person
June 5, 2025
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
This panel will explore practical approaches to designing high-quality evaluations that generate credible and compelling evidence, particularly in complex governance and policy environments. The discussion will highlight methodological choices that enhance the credibility and utility of findings and contribute to sustainable policy choices. By providing case studies - including governance reforms – the panelists will demonstrate how evaluation frameworks can be adapted to politically polarized environments. Panelists will discuss how quality evaluation design can incorporate sustainability indicators that help programs withstand political pressures by demonstrating their contribution to efficient, sustainable growth.
- Essential elements of quality evaluation design: from clear evaluation questions to appropriate methods
- Distinguishing monitoring from evaluation: complementary roles in the evidence ecosystem
- Tailoring evaluation methodologies to different policy and program contexts
- Practical techniques for enhancing reliability and validity in data collection and analysis
- Designing evaluation frameworks that assess sustainability and efficiency metrics to demonstrate long-term value beyond political cycles
- Case studies demonstrating successful evaluation approaches that influenced decision-making.
University of Georgia, Main Conference Hall. 77a M.Kostava Str. Tbilisi, 0177, Georgia
Speakers
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Dea Tsartsidze | Public Administration Faculty Member, University of Georgia | Dea Tsartsidze is an international research, monitoring, evaluation, and learning professional with over 15 years of experience spearheading complex studies and MEL initiatives across 80+ countries. She has developed innovative methodologies and evaluation frameworks for major international organizations including UN agencies, USAID, EU, and FCDO. As a faculty member at the University of Georgia and partner at Research for Action, she combines academic rigor with practical expertise in establishing evidence-based monitoring systems that transform complex data into actionable insights for strategic decision-making. |
| Ana Kvintradze- Hardy | Executive Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Professionals Association of Georgia | Ana Kvintradze-Hardy is the founding member and executive director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Professionals Association of Georgia. She has more than 10 years of international experience in the field of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning, and more than 15 years in the field of social research. Ana has diverse contextual experience, since she has worked and travelled extensively covering various sectors of programming. During her role as Regional MEAL Advisor for Save the Children International, Ana has provided oversight and support to evaluation functions across Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, including Turkey, North-West Balkans, Egypt. She contributed to establishing high quality evaluation architecture across the country offices and regularly provided technical review and feedback on evaluation quality. Ana has breadth of experience using qualitative and participatory methodologies for evaluating results of complex interventions. During 2014-2016 Ana worked in the South Caucasus region, for the policy-advocacy project of Oxfam in the region, where she led Social Network Analysis for measuring the project’s impact. Ana comes from Sociology and Social Research background, currently is a PhD student at GIPA and an invited lecturer at Caucasus University. |
| Ketevan Murusidze | Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) | Ketevan Murusidze is a seasoned M&E specialist with over 8 years of experience in evaluation methodologies, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding. Currently serving as an M&E Specialist for the Eastern Neighbourhood Programme at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, she brings extensive expertise in developing evaluation frameworks for national policy documents. Her background includes leadership in conflict-affected community research using innovative methodologies like Everyday Peace Indicators and teaching Peace Policy Analysis at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. Ketevan's unique combination of academic knowledge and practical field experience provides valuable insights on designing evaluations that remain relevant in politically complex environments. |
Moderators
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Nodar Kherkheulidze | Public Administration Department, University of Georgia | Nodar Kherkheulidze brings over 20 years of experience in public administration, combining practical implementation experience with academic leadership. His expertise spans policy analysis, monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) in public administration, with particular focus on Open Government Partnership and policy reform initiatives. As Senior Regional M&E Expert for GIZ's EPIC project across the South Caucasus and an IRM Researcher for the Open Government Partnership, Nodar brings valuable insights on evaluation's role in bridging political divides through evidence-based approaches. |
Panel Discussion
|
In person
June 5, 2025
13:00 PM - 14:30 PM
Too often, high-quality evaluations fail to influence decision-making due to ineffective communication strategies. This session explores challenges and practical solutions for translating complex evaluation findings into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse stakeholders and drive action, particularly in politically polarized or fragile environments. The panel will explore how effectively communicating evidence about a program's efficiency and contribution to sustainable growth can transcend political divides, potentially creating consensus around maintaining valuable initiatives regardless of which party or administration is in power. The discussion will explore real-world examples of communicating and utilizing complex evaluation results effectively. Topics include:
- Telling a compelling story: Transforming technical findings into accessible narratives
- Effective visualization: How data presentation affects engagement and credibility
- Timing & targeting: Delivering evaluation insights when and where they have the most impact
- Bridging divides: Engaging diverse stakeholders - including policymakers, civil society, and the public - to foster consensus on evidence-based solutions.
- Presenting efficiency and sustainability data to overcome political resistance and ensure program continuity
- Case studies of evaluations that successfully influenced policy or program decisions.
University of Georgia, Main Conference Hall. 77a M.Kostava Str. Tbilisi, 0177, Georgia
Speakers
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Mikheil Darchiashvili | Senior Expert in International Development, Good Governance and Policy Analysis | Mikheil Darchiashvili brings extensive expertise in governance, policy analysis, and public administration with over 15 years of leadership experience across government and international development sectors. As former Director of Subnational Governance Systems at USAID's Local Governance Program in Georgia, he specialized in designing and implementing interventions that enhance transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of governing institutions. His background includes serving as Deputy Defence Minister of Georgia, where he coordinated policy planning and international cooperation, and diplomatic roles representing Georgia to NATO and the United States. Mikheil's combined experience in evidence-based policymaking, evaluation frameworks, and bridging political divides makes him uniquely qualified to address the challenges of sustaining program effectiveness through political transitions. |
| Marika Jobava | Project Analyst at UN Women | Marika Jobava is a governance and gender equality specialist with over 8 years of experience in policy analysis and implementation. Currently serving as Project Analyst for the Good Governance for Gender Equality in Georgia (GG4GEG) at UN Women, she brings significant expertise in gender-responsive policy development, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks. Her professional background includes coordinating interagency commissions on gender equality and combating violence against women, demonstrating her ability to facilitate evidence-based decision-making across diverse stakeholders. Mari holds a Master's degree in Administrative Sciences and combines technical evaluation knowledge with practical experience in designing policy frameworks that promote sustainable and inclusive governance approaches. |
| Mariam Berianidze | Researcher Evaluator at PMC Research | Mariam Berianidze is a researcher evaluator at PMC Research Center, brings over five years of dedicated experience and a Master's degree in Sociology to her role. Specializing in the intricate interplay of gender and diversity within program evaluations, Mariam has developed a keen expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Her scholarly contributions include co-authoring four publications, notably "Simple but not simplistic," which highlights her proficiency in rendering complex evaluation processes into intelligible and thorough analyses. Throughout her career, Mariam has excelled in leading evaluations, employing innovative approaches in performance, policy, process evaluations, and needs assessments |
Moderators
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Ketevan Tsanava | Board Member, Open Government Partnership (OGP); Public Administration faculty member, University of Georgia; Partner, Solution Alternatives International (SAI) | Ketevan Tsanava has more than 11 years of professional experience in Georgia's public administration focusing on good governance, accountability, public administration reform, and policy planning. As a former Director of Policy Planning and Governmental Coordination Department at the Administration of the Government of Georgia, she led comprehensive strategic frameworks for Public Administration Reform and Open Government Reform, developing evaluation methodologies and policy implementation monitoring systems. Her experience in establishing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for national policy documents provides valuable insights for translating evaluation into policy action. |