GEI Network Participates in 5th Islamic Development Bank Group Evaluation Symposium

The Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI) team recently participated in the 5th Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Evaluation Symposium, held in October 2023 in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Other GEI Partners also participated in the event including representatives of École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP), a GEI Implementing Partner.  The German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), both GEI funding partners, also were part of the event.

The symposium, which addressed the theme, "The Future of Development Evaluation: Adapting to a Changing Landscape," aimed to explore innovative practices, share lessons learned, and devise future strategies in response to evolving global challenges. Underpinning this objective was a recognition that crises, while presenting unique challenges, also offer opportunities to enhance development interventions through evidence-based evaluation. A critical point emphasized during the symposium was the role of evaluation in improving crisis responses by ensuring that available evidence is timely and relevant. The symposium delved into various topics, including the future frontiers of development evaluation in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), the third decade of development evaluation in the IsDB Group, and the challenges and opportunities for evaluation in the coming decade.

Dugan Fraser, Program Manager of GEI, chaired the panel, “Looking Back - Third Decade of Development Evaluation in IsDB Group.” The panel offered a retrospective on the three-decade journey of independent evaluation within the IsDB Group, focusing on its historical evolution, significant contributions, and encountered challenges. Panelists addressed key objectives, highlighting the role of independent evaluations in organizational learning, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the IsDB Group.

Dr. Jos Vaessen, Deputy Head of GEI; Dr. Aref Ben Abdallah, International Affairs Advisor at ENAP; Dr. Joerg Faust, Managing Director at DEval; and Dr. Emmanuel Jimenez, Director General of Independent Evaluation at ADB, also participated in or chaired panels during the event.

The symposium concluded with a reinforced commitment to promote development effectiveness through improved evaluation practices, innovative approaches, and strategic partnerships. Anticipated to have a significant impact on IsDB Group's strategies and operations, the event ensures alignment with the development goals and aspirations of member countries.