Read updates on the campaign activities and news from partners around the world. If you would like to receive the newsletter directly in your inbox, sign up to receive Eval4Action updates here . As an individual advocate or a partner network, if you have news or information to share with the Eval4Action community, please write to contact@eval4action.org .

The International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation (IOCE) joins current co-leaders, UNFPA Independent Evaluation Office, EvalYouth Global Network, and the Global Parliamentarians Forum for Evaluation as a co-leader of Eval4Action.  IOCE has been representing national and regional voluntary organizations for professional evaluation (VOPEs) for 25 years, strengthening international collaboration for influential evaluation through the exchange of evaluation methods, theories and practice around the world. With many shared VOPE partners among Eval4Action and IOCE, this collaboration promises to unite the evaluation community even further and extend our collective reach on a global scale.  This new partnership comes at a pivotal time for Eval4Action, as it gets ready for the upcoming Summit for the future of Evaluation ,  marking the 5th year of the campaign.

Read updates on the campaign activities and news from partners around the world. If you would like to receive the newsletter directly in your inbox, sign up to receive Eval4Action updates here . As an individual advocate or a partner network, if you have news or information to share with the Eval4Action community, please write to contact@eval4action.org .

By Alex Nordman-Becker and Steve Mumford University of New Orleans Intergenerational collaboration in evaluation creates space for young and emerging evaluators to help shape the evaluation field. While experienced evaluators bring years of knowledge and training to evaluations, young and emerging evaluators hold potential to challenge norms and find innovative approaches guided by their lived experiences. This blog explores the reflections of a New Orleans-based evaluation team navigating the benefits, challenges, and lessons learned as a multigenerational team. Learning through community partners Alex met Steve through her doctorate programme because of her interest in community-based evaluations. Steve became her advisor and engaged her as a graduate research assistant supporting his evaluation work. Together, we worked on a year-long evaluation for the New Orleans Youth Master Plan (YMP). The New Orleans YMP is a 10-year plan created through the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board (CYPB), a planning board made up of community members and staff who work to drive change that improves outcomes for children and youth in Orleans Parish from birth to 24 years old. Throughout this evaluation, we benefitted from the youth-centered values of the client and programme, which constantly reminded our team to listen to youth voices and respect their expertise. Our intergenerational evaluation experience Alex: Finding my voice as an emerging evaluator As a young and emerging evaluator working on my first evaluation project, I felt thrown into deep water and I had not yet learned to swim. I was fortunate to have in Steve a mentor who created space for me to discover my own rhythm. Mentorship is an important piece to intergenerational collaboration but must be intentional as it can reinforce unequal dynamics where mentors hold knowledge to impart to the mentee and the mentee is to learn and absorb the teaching. This model of mentorship dismisses the experiences and expertise that the mentee could bring to the relationship. In contrast, youth mentorship in evaluation is a shared journey where values transcend knowledge transferred and that focuses on the growth, support, and relationships built. Mentorship also has the potential to be transformative where the mentor and mentee learn and gain new experiences from each other. My experience with Steve and the YMP evaluation embodied what transformational mentorship can look like. Receiving a master’s in clinical mental health counseling focusing on children and youth, I found I had skills that applied to evaluation like building rapport and facilitating groups. Steve showed genuine respect and interest in my experiences in counseling and being a young person. I felt comfortable challenging Steve at times to consider the deeper incorporation of youth, driven by my counseling experiences. A challenge I experienced while working on our multigenerational team was feeling limited at times to only speak to the youth pieces of the evaluation. A challenge I experienced while working on our multigenerational team was feeling limited at times to only speak to the youth pieces of the evaluation. For example, I lead the youth focus group, but Steve took the lead for adult interviews. Although we were a multigenerational team, intergenerational collaboration was limited by primarily working with participants that reflected our age groups. This generational divide was also reflected in our evaluation findings, where both youth and adult YMP members noted that they also wished for more intentional intergenerational collaboration within the organization such as joint youth and adult board meetings. Steve: How I learned from Alex    I’ve been working in the evaluation field for more than 15 years and have conducted a wide variety of evaluations in different teams. However, prior to evaluating the YMP, I had never considered how to intentionally collaborate across generations within evaluation. As an educator, I believe strongly in nurturing and supporting emerging evaluators. But I also slip into my role as a professor and the power dynamics that carries with it, engaging young people in a more instructional manner as opposed to on equal footing. The YMP’s emphasis on honoring youth voices, and my experience working with Alex, changed all that. Throughout the YMP evaluation, I saw first-hand how Alex’s positionality as a young person and emerging evaluator benefitted our team. For instance, Alex was able to more quickly build rapport with the youth participants in our evaluation and encourage candor, as she did when conducting a focus group with youth leaders. Alex’s contributions extended beyond our team’s interactions with youth, though, and offered a fresh perspective on all aspects of the evaluation. The collaboration became a trusting two-way relationship that provided constructive feedback, benefitting both of us. At the same time, our team contended with a constant gravitational pull towards deference to age and experience, in part because of our location within a university. I was addressed as Dr. Mumford, even by Alex, while she was addressed by her first name. When we presented our findings, despite our careful efforts to divide sections between us, I found myself talking over her at times to reiterate points I thought needed emphasis. I had to reflect on these experiences and acknowledge where I had fallen short, and Alex helped me do that. The collaboration became a trusting two-way relationship that provided constructive feedback, benefitting both of us. At the final YMP evaluation presentation, Alex and Steve present their findings to youth and adult members of the Children and Youth Planning Board (CYPB). (Photo courtesy of New Orleans CYPB and Lavonte Lucas) A lesson in intentionality and balance Multigenerational teams face the challenge of not falling into the old patterns of adultism that shape our society. There needs to be a more equal and fair division of labour but also support and learning opportunities for the emerging evaluator. Intergenerational collaboration requires a careful balance that is easier said than done within all of the contextual constraints. To young and emerging evaluators, be confident in knowing you have experiences that add value to evaluations. Communicate your needs to mentors and team members, from leading interviews to adding your own knowledge based on lived experiences. To older evaluators, realize that your younger colleagues have important perspectives to offer if you step back and listen. Intergenerational collaboration allows for two-way mentoring, where the mentor can learn from the mentee in return. Evaluations face challenging constraints, such as pressures around time, resources, and client expectations. These pressures can have the side effect of privileging expertise and professional experience and deemphasizing opportunities for two-way mentorship and intergenerational collaboration. However, if we make space for younger colleagues to shine, supporting them along the way, we become a stronger team. Alex Nordman-Becker is a young and emerging evaluator from New Orleans, LA. Alex is currently pursuing her PhD in Justice Studies at the University of New Orleans with a focus on youth-focused evaluations and Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR). She also serves as the data manager/lead analyst for the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board. Connect with Alex on LinkedIn . Steve Mumford, PhD, is a tenured Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of New Orleans, where he directs the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program and served as founding Coordinator of the PhD in Justice Studies. He recently co-edited the Research Handbook on Program Evaluation with Kathryn Newcomer. Disclaimer: The content of the blog is the responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eval4Action co-leaders and partners.

Read updates on the campaign activities and news from partners around the world. If you would like to receive the newsletter directly in your inbox, sign up to receive Eval4Action updates here . As an individual advocate or a partner network, if you have news or information to share with the Eval4Action community, please write to contact@eval4action.org .

Read updates on the campaign activities and news from partners around the world. If you would like to receive the newsletter directly in your inbox, sign up to receive Eval4Action updates here . As an individual advocate or a partner network, if you have news or information to share with the Eval4Action community, please write to contact@eval4action.org .

Eval4Action is calling on organizations to self-report their progress in meaningfully engaging young people in evaluation following the Youth in Evaluation standards . Follow the guidelines below to complete your self-assessment for 2025 and contribute to the global effort to advance youth in evaluation. The submission deadline for 2024 self-assessments is extended to 14 February 2025. The 2025 Youth in Evaluation champions will be determined based on exceeding or meeting the requirements of the Youth in Evaluation standards. The champions will be announced at the 2025 Youth in Evaluation Champions Award Ceremony on 29-30 May 2025, at the Summit for the Future of Evaluation 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Summit for the Future of Evaluation 2025 is a featured event at the Evaluation Conclave 2025. Learn more about the 2024 Youth in Evaluation champions that were announced at the global inauguration of Youth in Evaluation week 2024.   Guidelines for organizations completing the first self-assessment (2025) If your organization completed a self-assessment in 2024, go to the next section Step 1: Find the most relevant standards for your organization.  Standards are available here  for academia, governments, the private sector, international organizations, Voluntary Organizations for Professional Evaluation (VOPEs)/EvalYouth chapters and youth organizations. Each standard is accompanied by a self-assessment tool.  Step 2: Share and discuss the standards with the leadership/management  of your organization for buy-in and endorsement. Step 3:   Raise awareness  among colleagues in your organization on the Youth in Evaluation standards. If your organization needs assistance in identifying external resource persons for an awareness-raising event, reach out to the Eval4Action campaign. Step 4: Initiate a dialogue   within the organization on current practices in engaging youth in evaluation. A 2 hours pre-arranged meeting with representatives from each unit or section in the organization would be helpful. Step 5: Assign a team to undertake the self-assessment   and make recommendations to improve organizational practices to advance the meaningful engagement of youth in evaluation.  Step 6: Conduct your self-assessment using the provided tool.  Customized self-assessment forms are available with a downloadable link next to each standard on the website. Choose the relevant assessment   form  for your organization.  Step 7: Share the self-assessment report  including good practices with contact@eval4action.org  by 14 February 2025. The report can include the finalized assessment form (Excel/Google sheet) together with a slide deck that highlights good practices and progress on various dimensions. Sharing this information with the Eval4Action campaign will facilitate cross-fertilization of knowledge among other organizations.  Guidelines for organizations completing their second self-assessment (2025) These guidelines are for organizations that completed the Youth in Evaluation Standards self-assessment in 2024 and are now submitting their second self-assessment report in 2025. Step 1: Begin by reviewing your 2024 self-assessment report and identify any updates or changes in your reporting. Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the updated 2025 self-assessment form, as there might be minor changes to the criteria based on the feedback received from the first round of self-assessments. Remember to use the 2025 form for this round of self-reporting. Step 3: While reporting in 2025, focus on reporting on 2024 activities and initiatives related to youth engagement in evaluation. Remember to take into account the ongoing nature of activities and the long-term validity of certain policies, projects and resources. E.g. If you reported on a policy or guidance related to youth engagement in evaluation in your previous assessment, and it remains valid for 2024, simply confirm its continued validity and score accordingly. If you reported on youth engagement in an evaluation process, it would remain valid for scoring purposes for five years. Step 4: In 2025 self-reporting, highlight any new initiatives, successful outcomes, or significant progress made since your 2024 assessment. Use the comment section in the form to provide more details and context about your successes and challenges. Step 5: Submit your completed 2025 self-assessment report to contact@eval4action.org by 14 February 2025. By sharing your experiences and progress, you continue contributing to the global effort to strengthen and promote youth engagement in evaluation.

In 2024, Eval4Action’s flagship initiative, Youth in Evaluation, marked a year of significant milestones, empowering young people to take centre stage in the evaluation field. From passing the 1000 signatures milestone for the Youth in Evaluation manifesto to the very first Youth in Evaluation Champions awards at the Youth in Evaluation week 2024, the momentum to meaningfully engage young people showed no signs of slowing down. To celebrate this successful year, Eval4Action curated an online toolbox to support organizations at all levels to meaningfully involve young people in evaluation. Whether your organization is just starting out or looking to deepen existing youth engagement approaches in evaluation, this toolbox offers a wealth of resources to support your efforts. Watch the unboxing of the toolbox Youth in Evaluation manifesto First out of the toolbox is the Youth in Evaluation manifesto  with nearly 1200 signatures echoing a powerful call to action to meaningfully engage youth and young evaluators in evaluation. Find out which organizations and individuals are already on the list and add your name to the list of changemakers . Make a powerful public declaration of your commitment to youth in evaluation! Youth in Evaluation standards The next tool is the standards  for enhancing meaningful engagement of youth in evaluation, a roadmap and self-accountability guide tailored for six stakeholder groups: academia, governments, international organizations, the private sector, VOPEs/EvalYouth chapters and youth organizations. Updated for 2025, the standards come with handy assessment sheets   and guidelines  for easy adoption for returning organizations and first-time reporters. Youth in Evaluation champions The highlight of 2024 are the Youth in Evaluation champions , organizations that demonstrated exceptional efforts to advance youth engagement in evaluation through self-reporting on the Youth in Evaluation standards. The champions were announced at the Youth in Evaluation week 2024 and they have been sharing good practices to inspire the evaluation community ever since. From detailing their experiences by writing blogs  to sharing their engagement strategies on an X Space , the champions show how to practically support and meaningfully engage youth people in evaluation processes across sectors.  What’s next?  To take this momentum forward and to celebrate the 5-year anniversary of Eval4Action, and the 10-year anniversary of EvalYouth Global Network and the Global Parliamentarian Forum for Evaluation, the Summit for the Future of Evaluation will take place on 29-30 May 2025 in Bhutan. The Summit will set a forward-looking vision for the evaluation field with a focus on youth engagement and the ethical integration of AI, with a spotlight on the 2025 Youth in Evaluation champion awards. Self-report on the Youth in Evaluation standards   to see if you can be a champion, and stay tuned for more details!

By J ennifer Worrell, Sylta Georgiadis, and Agnes Nyaga Strategic Planning, Programme Management, Evaluation and Change Service (SPECS) UN Human Rights Youth inclusion in evaluation should never be a checkbox. Youth bring fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and the eagerness to learn and contribute to an organization. Their energy, insights, and ability to spot opportunities others may overlook are invaluable assets for any organization. At the same time, youth, often face systemic barriers to participation and decision-making. Yet, the question remains, are we creating enough spaces for them to contribute meaningfully? Our journey so far At UN Human Rights, we recognize that empowering youth isn’t only about recruiting young professionals or engaging youth as stakeholders. It’s about building a culture where their voices are heard and truly valued, their growth is supported, and directly influence decision-making processes. As a small evaluation function, our journey towards building a youth inclusive evaluation culture started with small, determined steps, and has grown into a culture that prioritizes mentorship, knowledge creation, capacity building, and opportunities for the next generation of evaluation professionals. More recently, we have taken intentional steps to ensure youth participation by incorporating young evaluators into our evaluation teams and consultancy pool, and engaging youth as key stakeholders in evaluation processes. In December 2023, we revised the evaluation policy ,  aligning it with the United Nation’s "Leaving No One Behind" commitment and using an intersectional lens to evaluate if our interventions reach the most marginalized populations, including youth. However, challenges remain. While youth are prioritized in our organizational management plan (OMP) , many programmes still do not explicitly include youth as a target population. This gap, evident in several evaluations, hinders assessing youth engagement or impact. To address this, the evaluation function adopts a forward-looking approach to ensure that youth are considered as key stakeholders, and that evaluations include specific recommendations to inform future programming. Our key enabling pillars Building our youth-inclusive evaluation culture has required a comprehensive framework centred around four key pillars: Policy, strategy, programme and process integration:  In line with our evaluation policy, insights from our evaluations have refined our methodologies, ensuring that our programmes target youth populations and our evaluation practices are evidence-based and reflective of the diverse communities we serve. Youth are also now specifically prioritized in frameworks such as OMP and the High Commissioner’s vision: A path for solutions and the Declaration on Future Generations as part of the Summit for the Future .  The need to hear from young people, both nationally and internationally, is well acknowledged. But as the Human Rights 75 Youth Declaration  makes so clear, access must also come with the ability to influence outcomes, for all young people, in all their diversity.  Guidance and quality assurance:  Guided by international standards such as those by the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG), we have developed internal guidelines to ensure high-quality, youth inclusive evaluations. The standards for meaningful youth engagement in evaluation  has also been very instrumental, offering practical guidance for youth inclusion and tools like an assessment sheet for accountability reporting. Capacity building:  This has been the most critical component. UN Human Rights focuses on building capacity from within, nurturing youth through mentorship and facilitating professional development training. Senior leadership support:  Securing senior leadership support has been crucial to providing the resources and enabling conditions necessary to fully integrate youth inclusive evaluation practices.   Access the Human Rights 75 Youth Declaration Championing a youth inclusive evaluation culture Our youth engagement efforts have gained momentum, particularly through active participation in inter-agency initiatives. For instance, our involvement in the UNEG Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEE) working group has strengthened our approach to youth engagement, and fostered inter-agency collaboration and learning. We have been an active member of the working group since its establishment in 2023 and a co-coordinator alongside UNFPA, OIOS, and UNESCO in 2024.  In 2024, we conducted our first self-assessment on implementing the Youth in Evaluation standards ,  which enabled accountability, identification of areas for improvement, and sharing lessons learned. We also received the " Emerging Super Champion Award "  from EvalYouth Global Network which recognized our leadership in upholding Youth in Evaluation standards. In addition, we were recognized as a champion for upholding youth engagement in evaluation practice and a champion for advancing young professionals in evaluation jobs. These awards highlight our dedication and commitment to supporting YEEs, even within the constraints of a small evaluation function. "Our team’s collective commitment has been instrumental in driving this progress. Every team member has embraced their role as a champion for youth in evaluation, creating a ripple effect across the other functions. In addition, YEEs have taken an active leadership role in promoting the use and dissemination of evaluation results through designing visuals and innovatively developing relevant evaluation products for dissemination. Their contribution has not only enhanced transparency and accountability, but also supported learning and evaluation capacity development across the office." -Sylta Georgiadis, Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Strategic Planning, Programme Management, Evaluation and Change Service (SPECS), UN Human Rights Creating pathways to evaluation jobs One of the most significant challenges facing youth, especially those in the Global South, is transitioning from education to the workforce. At UN Human Rights, we view evaluation as more than just a technical role; it’s a career path with transferable skills that prepare young professionals for broader opportunities. Evaluation requires critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are highly valuable in any sector. "Having grown up in the Global South, I’ve seen firsthand the barriers youth face in accessing international opportunities and building careers. At the United Nations in Geneva, there is an over-representation of interns from Western countries. Without some form of remuneration, a majority of students from the Global South are unable to apply for United Nations internships, putting them at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers in developed countries. This lack of access perpetuates inequities and limits diversity in the organization. My team with the support of human resources developed an innovative programme to  ‘Promote  Diversity and Inclusion for Youth in UN Human Rights,’ also known as ‘ Ditch UNfair Internships ’ which addresses barriers preventing students from the Global South from accessing internships at the United Nations in Geneva through the provision of a stipend to support their participation in the programme. This project won our innovation challenge in 2019 ,   and the Secretary-General Award for 2021 in the category “Diversity and Inclusion”. -Jennifer Worrell, Chief, SPECS, UN Human Rights This initiative has transformed our evaluation function by creating opportunities for young professionals from the Global South and broadening our talent pool, eliminating systemic barriers that previously excluded talented individuals from pursuing international careers. The results have been inspiring as many of these young professionals have excelled in their subsequent roles, with others successfully transitioning to other positions within UN Human Rights and the United Nations system, including to mid-level professional roles.  We continue to implement this initiative and have scaled it up further by being part of the UNEG and United Nations Volunteers programme which deploys young M&E professionals as United Nations Youth Volunteers and United Nations Specialist Volunteers across the United Nations system. Capacity building, knowledge sharing and mentorship for young and emerging evaluators (YEEs) To ensure young evaluators thrive in this profession, we prioritize mentorship, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. YEEs benefit from professional training opportunities tailored to develop their evaluation skills. We also facilitate participation of YEEs in the international evaluation forums/events, to enable them to connect with experienced evaluators, gain practical insights, and build lasting professional relationships. We also prioritize YEEs’ participation in the management of evaluations from start to finish. This hands-on experience equips them to take on leadership roles in future evaluations and ensures their contributions are recognized, building their confidence and making them feel valued.  “Coming from a legal background, I never imagined becoming an evaluator. My experience at UN Human Rights has sparked my interest, broadened my expertise and enhanced my knowledge and skills in evaluation. Through the professional development opportunities by the evaluation function- including certification in Evaluation Management (UNSSC) and Monitoring and Evaluation (ITCILO), I’ve gained the competence to fully manage evaluations. Mentorship from my team has been pivotal in my growth, boosting my confidence and helping me see the value of my contributions. I now trust in my skills and the impact of my work.” -Agnes Nyaga, Associate Human Rights Officer, SPECS, UN Human Rights Looking ahead We’ve made significant strides in building a youth-inclusive evaluation culture, but much remains to be done. We believe in the transformative role young professionals and youth-led initiatives can play in shaping the future of evaluation. Looking ahead, we are committed to continue expanding opportunities for young professionals in evaluation particularly from the Global South, scaling up mentorship, training and development opportunities, advocating for increased financial support for YEE initiatives, and ensuring youth inclusion remains central to every evaluation process. Jennifer Worrell is currently the Chief of the Strategic Planning, Programme Management, Evaluation and Change Service (SPECS) where she leads office-wide processes to define and implement the strategic focus for UN Human Rights' four-year programming cycle. She is also responsible for office-wide programme management, leading internal processes to convert the High Commissioner’s vision into operational programmes that focus on results. She provides leadership for organizational change including culture change; evaluations, risk management, leadership and the development of a culture of results within UN Human Rights. She is a passionate advocate and champion for diversity and inclusion. Sylta Georgiadis is coordinating the evaluation function in UN Human Rights’ Strategic Planning, Evaluation and Change Service. She has helped to build up an evaluation culture in UN Human Rights which is now conducting around fifteen evaluations per year, spanning from strategic evaluations to programme and country evaluations. She attaches great importance to including youth in every step of conducting evaluations. Agnes Nyaga is an Associate Human Rights Officer working with the evaluation function of the UN Human Rights Geneva. She is a young evaluator with four years of progressive experience in managing evaluations. Her passion and expertise in human rights, gender equality, disability and youth inclusion has enabled her to robustly integrate these principles into evaluations, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and no one is left behind. Disclaimer: The content of the blog is the responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eval4Action co-leaders and partners.

Read updates on the campaign activities and news from partners around the world. If you would like to receive the newsletter directly in your inbox, sign up to receive Eval4Action updates here . As an individual advocate or a partner network, if you have news or information to share with the Eval4Action community, please write to contact@eval4action.org .

Read updates on the campaign activities and news from partners around the world. If you would like to receive the newsletter directly in your inbox, sign up to receive Eval4Action updates here . As an individual advocate or a partner network, if you have news or information to share with the Eval4Action community, please write to contact@eval4action.org .

By Qudratullah Jahid, Ana Erika Lareza and Uugantsetseg Gonchigdorj APEA The Asia Pacific region is home to over 1.1 billion young people . To ensure equitable and sustainable development in the region, it is crucial to engage young people. The Asia Pacific Evaluation Association (APEA) has had success in co-creating change by engaging young and emerging evaluators (YEEs) in evaluation processes, which is critical as we continue our march towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. APEA has embraced young people as essential partners in the evaluation journey through targeted actions, partnerships, and a commitment to empowerment. Our strategic focus on YEE engagement reflects our ambition to create a strong and interconnected community of young evaluators ready to address global challenges. Thematic area four of APEA’s Regional Evaluation Strategy  highlights the steps we are taking to develop young evaluators, bridge gaps in capacity, and amplify their voices in evaluation practice. With EvalYouth Asia, APEA is building pathways for the next generation of evaluators to gain skills, access opportunities, and make meaningful contributions to the field—areas key to the Eval4Action campaign. Advocacy and awareness One of the foundational elements of APEA’s YEEs engagement is advocating for the inclusion of YEEs across all evaluation activities. By actively promoting YEEs as valued contributors, APEA is helping reshape perceptions of the evaluation field by deliberately considering powers and stakeholders and encouraging organizations to recognise and utilize the talents of young professionals. Through webinars, conferences, and public engagements, APEA creates and highlights success stories of young evaluators and advocates for their inclusion in evaluation roles. This ongoing advocacy raises awareness about the importance of YEEs in evaluation and helps YEEs build a sense of ownership and pride in their contributions. EvalYouth Asia Winter School at the Asia Pacific Evaluation Conference 2023, Manila, Philippines. APEA supports EvalYouth Asia in hosting an annual regional winter school for YEEs. The winter school provides foundational knowledge and skills and supports the career development of YEEs in evaluation. In addition, it offers YEEs an opportunity to establish an evaluation network at the regional level. Follow-up trainings are also provided to all winter school alumni, which reinforces learning, covers critical issues and trends, and supports participants' career growth in the field. To learn more about the Asia Pacific Winter Schools and follow-up training series, details of completed programmes are listed on the APEA website . Professional development for young evaluators APEA collaborates with universities, VOPEs, EvalYouth chapters, and evaluation organizations to offer a range of capacity-building initiatives. These initiatives equip young evaluators with skills, knowledge, and mentorship support. From winter evaluation schools to specialized training sessions and career development workshops, APEA’s initiatives provide young evaluators with foundational skills crucial for their growth. In addition to training, APEA supports young evaluators’ participation in thematic groups, committees, and working groups. These opportunities encourage YEEs to engage with seasoned professionals, enhancing mutual learning that enriches young and senior evaluators’ perspectives. Strengthening networks and connections Young evaluators benefit significantly from networking opportunities to connect with peers and mentors across the region. APEA, alongside EvalYouth Asia, has taken significant steps to support regional and international networking for YEEs, recognizing that peer learning and community support are invaluable for emerging professionals. In light of this, EvalYouth Asia launched an initiative called the ‘EvalYouth chapter kick-off series’. With the support of APEA, EvalYouth Asia has fostered the creation of over 10 EvalYouth national chapters across the Asia Pacific. Through these national chapters, young evaluators have a platform to discuss challenges, share resources, and support each other in their journeys. These communities of practice promote ongoing dialogue, ensuring that young evaluators feel connected, supported, and inspired to continue their work. Sparking dialogue on youth engagement in evaluation APEA’s journey of co-creating change with youth in evaluation is mutual learning, where both established and emerging evaluators benefit. Building on positive experiences and impactful results, APEA has fully committed to the Youth in Evaluation initiative, as demonstrated by our signing of the Youth in Evaluation manifesto and our commitment to implementing its standards. APEA was recently recognized as a “Youth in Evaluation Super Champion”. This recognition celebrates their commitment to meaningfully engaging youth in evaluation, as demonstrated through their self-assessment against the Youth in Evaluation standards.  APEA’s initiatives demonstrate that when young voices are integrated into evaluation processes, the results are more dynamic, inclusive, and innovative. We invite the broader evaluation community to join this conversation—to discuss, learn, and continue building environments where young evaluators can thrive. Dialogues around meaningful YEE engagement can collectively amplify the impact of our work and ensure that evaluation remains responsive to the evolving needs of our communities. APEA’s engagement with EvalYouth Asia not only supports YEEs by providing a pathway to emerge and grow in the evaluation field but also serves as their source of knowledge and pool of networking in EvalYouth Asia activities. By allowing YEEs to bring their unique perspectives to these collaborations, this effective commitment to engage YEEs meaningfully strengthens their roles, empowering them to lead and shape the evaluation field across the Asia Pacific region. The path forward APEA’s commitment to championing YEEs in evaluation is clear. By amplifying their voices, building their capacities, and strengthening their networks, APEA ensures that young evaluators are participants and co-creators in the evaluation ecosystem. This journey is helping to shape a future where youth are empowered to drive impactful change through evaluation, contributing to a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world. As we move forward, APEA remains committed to co-creating this path with young and emerging evaluators, unlocking new opportunities for them to contribute to evaluation and development across the Asia Pacific region. Join us on this journey of empowering the next generation of evaluators! Qudratullah Jahid is an accomplished monitoring, evaluation, and learning specialist. He serves as Vice President of the Asia Pacific Evaluation Association and is a board member of the International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation and the Afghan Evaluation Society. He strongly focuses on youth engagement and capacity building in evaluation, striving to enhance development outcomes through inclusive, evidence-driven methodologies across the Asia Pacific region. Connect with Qudratullah on X and LinkedIn . Ana Erika Lareza is a young evaluator currently pursuing a master’s degree in Evaluation at Saarland University in Germany. She serves as the Finance Officer for the Asia Pacific Evaluation Association and has co-founded EvalYouth Asia and the Asia Pacific Communications Hub. Across all her roles, she is dedicated to empowering youth and ensuring their meaningful engagement in the field of evaluation. Connect with Ana Erika on X and LinkedIn . Uugantsetseg Gonchigdorj is an independent evaluator and freelance consultant with experience in the development sector. She serves as a Co-Leader of EvalYouth Asia and is a Board Member of the Mongolian Evaluation Association, where she promotes youth involvement in evaluation and supports capacity-building efforts for young and emerging evaluators. Connect with Uugantsetseg on LinkedIn . Disclaimer: The content of the blog is the responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eval4Action co-leaders and partners.

The 2024 Youth in Evaluation champions  are at the forefront of a global movement to empower young voices in evaluation. On 19 November 2024, Youth in Evaluation champions joined a live X Space chat where they shared their experiences and engaged in discussions on key areas: The unique value of youth engagement in evaluation Utilizing the inter-governmentally adopted the Pact for the Future  to advance meaningful youth participation in evaluation The added value of the Youth in Evaluation manifesto and standards in promoting ethical and effective youth participation in evaluation Real-world examples of how youth engagement has sparked innovation and led to new approaches and solutions in evaluation Proven strategies, practical tips, and lessons learned from both successful and challenging youth engagement initiatives. Listen to the recording

By Itgemjit Gankhuyag Board Member, Membership Chair, Mongolian Evaluation Association   Mongolia’s rapid socio-economic transformation requires evidence-based policies to ensure efficient resource allocation and sustainable development. Evaluation plays a critical role in this process by informing decisions that address the country’s most pressing needs. Mongolia is no stranger to evaluation, as early as 1996, the Law on the Government of Mongolia included monitoring and evaluation as part of government officials' duties. Within this context, empowering young professionals to actively engage in evaluation is essential for their personal growth and the broader development landscape. In Mongolia, there is a growing recognition of the importance of engaging youth in evaluation, mainly through the activities of the Mongolian Evaluation Association (MEA) and EvalYouth Mongolia, which aim to amplify the role of Young and Emerging evaluators (YEEs). The MEA's efforts in supporting youth involvement were recognized on a global level when the association received the prestigious Evall4Action Super Champion award for upholding the Youth in Evaluation standards , becoming one of six Champions in July 2024. This honor recognized our commitment to empowering young people in evaluation on a global stage and served as motivation for further action. To advance youth involvement in the evaluation field, MEA and EvalYouth Mongolia initiated several actions since its establishment. The MEA and EvalYouth Mongolia are actively working to amplify youth voices to promote youth participation in evaluation through advocacy initiatives and have already made significant strides by appointing two YEEs as Board Members responsible for membership and communication, giving young professionals a seat at the decision-making table. MEA enabled the connection of Mongolian YEEs with global peers through the EvalYouth network, enhancing the exchange of ideas and best practices. For instance, in 2024, the MEA received a seed grant from the Asia Pacific Evaluation Association to support the " Elevating Tsaatan Voices: Sowing the seeds of Indigenous Evaluation in Mongolia " project. This initiative not only empowers indigenous communities but also includes YEEs as researchers, giving them valuable hands-on experience. However, more advocacy and capacity development initiatives are needed to unlock youth's potential in this field. YEEs offer several advantages to the evaluation field. They bring fresh perspectives that challenge existing methodologies and introduce new approaches. Additionally, as digital natives, YEEs are adept at using technology for data collection, analysis, and reporting.  By encouraging youth participation throughout the stages of evaluation, these young professionals can become better equipped to influence policies and contribute to policy and programme implementation processes. Therefore, increasing public awareness and initiating advocacy efforts to expand the understanding of evaluation are needed to further flourish the participation of young professionals in evaluation and MEA along with EvalYouth Mongolia.  Capacity development: Building a strong foundation for young evaluators While advocacy efforts are crucial, capacity development is equally important to empower young evaluators with the skills they need to succeed. In Mongolia, capacity development can take several forms: 1. Education and training programmes Initiatives like the MEA’s “Summer Evaluation Bootcamp” offer hands-on training, fostering both technical competence and a sense of community among young evaluators.  Moreover, MEA is working and forming Topical Interest Groups (TIG) to further develop tailor-made evaluation courses for its members and youth interested in evaluation. TIGs and their members will contribute to the development of evaluation courses, offering evaluation courses and workshops in cooperation with universities, VOPEs and professional organizations. Also, we are expanding our network with international VOPEs and professional evaluation associations to partner with international experts and institutions who can provide knowledge on globally recognized evaluation methodologies and trends. Mongolian Evaluation Association  Summer Evaluation Bootcamp 2. Mentorship and peer learning Peer learning networks also played a crucial role by enabling YEEs to share their experiences and challenges. For example, YEEs in Mongolia, through the MEA, organized the global online event “Youth in Evaluation Champions: Good Practices by VOPEs and Youth Organizations ” in July. This event not only provided young people with valuable experience in organizing such initiatives but also allowed them to learn from other countries' best practices. Also, MEA annually supports YEEs in participating in the World Evaluation Case Competition (WECC), of which, in 2022 and 2023, the Mongolian team was awarded Asia’s Evaluation Champion. Currently, the Mongolian team is participating in the WECC for the third time. The role of organizations and stakeholders Advancing youth involvement in evaluation requires collaboration among various stakeholders. This includes partnering with government bodies, NGOs, development agencies, private sector and VOPEs.  The MEA has embraced the principles of the Youth in Evaluation manifesto, integrating them into its operations. Additionally, the MEA translated international standards for youth engagement in evaluation into Mongolian to promote their adoption by local institutions. Standards for government entities, international organizations and academic institutions were translated into Mongolian language and over 50 organizations were encouraged to apply the Youth in Evaluation manifesto to their operation during Youth in Evaluation week 2024. As we are meaningfully spreading the importance of involving youth in evaluation, we always introduce the manifesto and the standards to organizations that are willing to cooperate with MEA. Advancing youth involvement in evaluation requires collaboration among various stakeholders. Conclusion: A path forward for young people to engage in Mongolian evaluations Upholding advocacy efforts and capacity development for youth in evaluation is not just a matter of professional development—it is an investment in Mongolia’s future. Equipping young people with the skills to assess programmes, policies, and initiatives fosters a generation of engaged citizens ready to shape the country's development. To increase the awareness of youth voice in evaluation, the following efforts can be implemented: 1. Policy advocacy: National policies should explicitly promote youth engagement in evaluation roles. The inclusion of youth in significant initiatives, such as government evaluation policies, [1] will ensure that young evaluators contribute to strategic decision-making. 2. Public awareness campaigns: The MEA and EvalYouth Mongolia can launch campaigns to highlight the contributions of young evaluators, fostering greater public support for their involvement in evaluation. 3. Increasing access to resources: Providing access to evaluation tools, frameworks, and case studies is essential for capacity-building. Developing an online Evaluation Resource Hub in Mongolia, where young evaluators can access the latest evaluation literature, tools, and methodologies, would be a game-changer. Additionally, partnerships with international donors and development agencies, government bodies, and the private sector could ensure funding for research, training, networking opportunities, and active involvement of YEEs in their evaluation activities, as stated in the Youth in Evaluation manifesto and standards . Realizing this vision requires all stakeholders to support the next generation of evaluators. With robust advocacy and comprehensive capacity development, young Mongolian evaluators can transition from participants to leaders, driving evidence-based change. Itgemjit Gankhuyag is a young and emerging evaluator and Membership Chair at the Mongolian Evaluation Association (MEA). Since joining the MEA in August 2023, Itgemjit has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing her expertise and improving evaluation practices in Mongolia. She has been actively involved in several MEA initiatives, including her role in the organizing team for the 2nd Summer Evaluation Bootcamp. Connect with Itgemjit via LinkedIn   and email . [1] ttps:// legalinfo.mn/mn/detail?lawId=16231007932181   Disclaimer: The content of the blog is the responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eval4Action co-leaders and partners.

By Rachael Okoronkwo and Khadija Yahaya Muhammad Cloneshouse Youth bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a deep understanding of their generation's challenges. The call for youth engagement in development projects has never been more crucial in today's rapidly evolving world. With an increasing emphasis on participatory approaches, it is clear that to create lasting change, we must engage the voices of the key players—the youth. [1] Cloneshouse is a specialist evaluation firm with over 14 years of experience, providing technical assistance in monitoring and evaluation to government, bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations, private entities, and NGOs.   At Cloneshouse, we recognize the potential of young people and have placed youth engagement at the heart of our evaluation approach. Through capacity-building initiatives and actively integrating youth into evaluation processes, we equip young professionals to make a meaningful impact on development. In this blog, we will explore the critical role of youth engagement in evaluation, Cloneshouse's approach to youth engagement, and a case study highlighting the impact of youth-led evaluation initiatives to drive positive development outcomes.  The importance of youth engagement in evaluation Involving youth in evaluation practices is strategic and necessary. Below are key reasons why youth engagement in evaluation is crucial. Diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes:  Youths bring fresh, unfiltered perspectives that older generations might miss as they are often closer to the issues addressed in development projects. Youth also approach problems creatively, offering innovative solutions that older evaluators might not consider. Their involvement enhances the credibility and acceptance of evaluation findings among their peers. Empowering the next generation of leaders: Youth engagement builds critical skills such as data collection, analysis, and reporting. These skills enhance youth employability and leadership potential. It also fosters confidence, empowering them to influence decisions and drive community change. Bridging the generational gap in development: Youth engagement addresses the disconnect between generations in development planning and implementation. By bringing young people into the field, we ensure development initiatives reflect their needs, fostering intergenerational dialogue for more sustainable and inclusive solutions. Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Harnessing the power of the global youth population is essential for successfully delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Youth involvement strengthens accountability and transparency and ensures that solutions are relevant to the needs of younger generations, aligning directly with the overarching mission of the SDGs to leave no one behind. Our organization's approach to youth engagement  At Cloneshouse, our approach to youth engagement focuses on actively empowering young professionals to participate in the evaluation process through several key initiatives. We offer hands-on experience via our African and European internships, where young professionals gain practical insights into evaluation while receiving mentorship from seasoned evaluators. We also conduct capacity-building workshops, including brown bag sessions, skill shares, and webinars, aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Additionally, we create youth-led evaluation teams, enabling young professionals to lead projects and develop essential leadership skills.  We prioritize partnerships with youth organizations like YEE (young and emerging evaluators) Nigeria to engage aspiring evaluators and expand their opportunities. Our commitment to real-world impact is demonstrated by our interns' achievements, such as the Cloneshouse Summer 2023 interns, who emerged second in the World Evaluation Case Competition 2023 . Through these strategies, we integrate youth into our evaluation processes and cultivate a new generation of evaluators capable of driving impactful change. Case study of a youth-led evaluation In March 2024, Cloneshouse provided technical assistance to the National Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) department within the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Nigeria. Our task was to assess the M&E capacity of 38 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria and evaluate their compliance with the National M&E Policy . This evaluation stood out not only for its national scope but also for our deliberate decision to integrate youth into the core of the process. Committed to nurturing the next generation of evaluators, our team comprised three young evaluators working alongside seasoned professionals, ensuring their involvement in every phase—from the inception meeting to the final presentation of findings. A young evaluator leading the overview session during the M&E Systems Assessment validation workshop with the MDAs Following an in-depth desk review, the three young evaluators were integral in developing the Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity Assessment Tool (MECAT), the data collection instrument. They collaborated with the National M&E department to deploy the MECAT via the Eye Mark , a digital platform for national M&E activities, which enabled real-time, accurate data gathering from various MDAs. These young evaluators implemented a weighted rating system to assess the MDAs’ capacity for consistency and compliance with national standards. Based on these assessments, they identified critical capacity gaps and developed tailored System Improvement Plans to address specific gaps within each MDA. Furthermore, the young professionals led interactive dissemination sessions, ensuring their findings were communicated effectively and translated into actionable insights for stakeholders. Their involvement significantly enhanced the technical rigor of the evaluation process, introduced innovative approaches, and focused on sustainable capacity building within government systems. Consequently, their participation contributed to strengthening national evaluation capacity. The project fostered an organic cross-generational mentorship programme and evolved into an opportunity for young evaluators to demonstrate their expertise. As the project concluded, we observed impacts extending beyond the evaluation itself.  "It is Youth in Evaluation week, and what better time to be a young person involved in evaluation processes!" - Rachael Okoronkwo in a LinkedIn post Looking ahead The success of this youth-inclusive national evaluation has set a new standard for our organization and the field of evaluation in Nigeria. It has demonstrated that meaningful youth involvement is not merely about representation; it is about recognizing and harnessing their unique strengths to enhance the evaluation process. Our commitment to this approach has been recognized, as we received the Emerging Super Champion  award during Youth in Evaluation week 2024. To build on our established standards, Cloneshouse is dedicated to strengthening its capacity-building initiatives for young evaluators and actively seeking opportunities for youth to take leadership roles in evaluations. We also plan to expand our partnerships with educational institutions to create pathways for nurturing young and emerging evaluators. By prioritizing these initiatives, we aim to foster a more robust and impactful M&E landscape in Nigeria, focused on innovation, collaboration, and developing the next generation of evaluators. Rachael Okoronkwo is a PMD-Pro certified development practitioner with four years of experience in project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. As M&E Officer at Cloneshouse, she supports the design of MEL plans, conducts data collection, and analysis. She is also active in EvalYouth, promoting youth involvement in evaluation practices. Connect with Rachael on X and LinkedIn . Khadija Yahaya Muhammad  is a skilled Monitoring and Evaluation professional, with over three years of experience working in the development sector. She’s a member of the Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEE) and Nigeria Evaluation Association (NEA) Nigeria. She is PMDpro certified, a SRHR and gender advocate. Connect with Khadija on X and LinkedIn . [1] USAID. (2012). Youth Engagement in Development: Effective Approaches and Action-Oriented Recommendations for the Field. Retrieved from   https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00JP6S.pdf Disclaimer: The content of the blog is the responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eval4Action co-leaders and partners.

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By Tashi Choden Young and emerging evaluator In a world that increasingly values evidence-based decision-making, evaluation plays a crucial role in shaping public policies, programmes, and services. The Evaluation Association of Bhutan (EAB) has emerged as a key player in fostering a culture of evaluation in Bhutan, with substantial involvement of youth in this field. By enhancing the capacity of young evaluators, EAB not only contributes to their personal and professional growth but also to the country’s overall development. The EAB Policy Brief of Bhutan offers significant opportunities for young and emerging evaluators by emphasizing capacity building and partnerships. Young evaluators can play a vital role in shaping the future of evaluation in Bhutan by contributing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. The policy encourages the integration of local knowledge and culturally responsive evaluation, areas where youth can bring unique insights.  Importance of Youth in Evaluation  Youth are not just tomorrow's leaders, many are already stepping into leadership roles today. Their distinctive perspectives, energy, and creativity make them valuable contributors toward shaping effective policies and programmes. EAB recognizes that involving young people in evaluation processes can provide more inclusive and sustainable solutions that reflect the needs of Bhutan's diverse population. Engaging youth in evaluation also has long-term benefits. EAB helps build an open and more accountable society by developing a culture of evaluation in the younger generation. EAB’s focus on building an inclusive evaluation culture aligns with its mission to strengthen the evaluation system in Bhutan and promote accountability and good governance​. The EAB initiative In this direction, EAB has undertaken a series of important initiatives about youth participation in evaluation, providing platforms and resources for capacity building. These activities are meant to be hands-on experiences, skill-building, and networking opportunities for the young evaluators. EAB organizes workshops and training sessions targeting young professionals and students interested in evaluation.  EAB actively supports youth-led evaluation projects, allowing young people to take front-row seats in the conduct of such programmes and policies. This not only provides them with hands-on experiences but helps illustrate better the value of youth perspectives in evaluation. It also provides opportunities to help bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping emerging evaluators with practical experience and professional networks. The impact created by EAB can be best drawn out by narrating the story of EvalYouth Bhutan, which is a group formed by young and emerging evaluators that grew out of support and training provided to them by EAB. Fortunately, I was one of those who benefited from EAB’s support to build our capacity as evaluators. With EAB's support, a group of young evaluators, including myself, came together to form EvalYouth Bhutan in February 2021, a platform dedicated to promoting youth engagement in evaluation activities across the country. Additionally, EAB’s efforts to integrate youth into national and international discussions on evaluation were highlighted during the 5th Evaluation Conclave  in 2022, where a young evaluator from EvalYouth Bhutan presented on the theme of “Youth in Evaluation.” Success stories from EvalYouth Bhutan Besides being a member of EvalYouth Bhutan, I was working for EAB and received additional benefits from it. I had the opportunity to receive training in evaluation through EAB's initiatives and my involvement in several projects on evaluation. The training did not stop there, valuable networking opportunities also came my way at EAB. Being part of the national VOPE, my team and I got the opportunity to connect with evaluators from various regions and even attended international seminars. This was a great exposure for me and EvalYouth members of Bhutan. During my service at EAB, I worked with international evaluators from the Asia Pacific Evaluation Association and EvalYouth Asia. These interactions helped me to understand global evaluation practices and enhanced my professional networking. Working with internationally reputed evaluators and participating in international seminars provided me with greater exposure to the role of evaluation in development. EvalYouth Bhutan also received a grant under the Asia Pacific Evaluation Association , EvalYouth Asia  and PHILDEV  Small Grants Project for Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEEs). With this support,   EvalYouth Bhutan successfully organized a training on Evaluation and Data Visualization.  Working with internationally reputed evaluators and participating in international seminars provided me with greater exposure to the role of evaluation in development. Further to this, my involvement in these networks resulted in a few young representatives, including myself, joining the board of the EAB.  The young team from EvalYouth Bhutan conducted a study titled An exploratory study on evaluation practices in Bhutan .  Through this research, the team was able to identify and analyze the current evaluation practices carried out across Bhutan. This effort underscores the team's dedication to enhancing the understanding and implementation of evaluation practices, contributing valuable knowledge to the broader field of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) in Bhutan. The opportunity to contribute at the leadership level allowed us to have direct influence on the policies and strategies that guide EAB's efforts in promoting youth in evaluation. Conclusion As Bhutan progresses toward sustainable development, young evaluators will help ensure that policies and programmes are inclusive and effective in meeting the needs of every citizen.  The efforts of the EAB and EvalYouth Bhutan serve as a testament to the transformative power of youth leadership in evaluation. Success stories of groundbreaking initiatives such as EvalYouth Bhutan remind us of the transformational impact that youth can bring about when given the opportunity to lead in evaluation. In doing so, they not only enhance the profession of evaluation but also contribute to a more resilient and forward-looking society. EAB mentors, trains, and provides hands-on experiences to young evaluators, enabling them to shape a different future in public policy and national development. As these young leaders grow their capacities and gain more confidence, they are more likely to substantially contribute to better decision-making processes that are more effective and more equitable, securing Bhutan's development trajectory in a more inclusive and impactful way in which can be sustained for generations to come. By engaging young evaluators, Bhutan is raising a new generation that values accountability, inclusivity, and evidence-based decision-making. Tashi Choden is a dynamic and emerging evaluator affiliated with the Evaluation Association of Bhutan (EAB) and EvalYouth Bhutan. She also plays a vital role in advancing youth engagement in evaluation as a co-leader of EvalYouth Asia. Beyond her contributions to these organizations, Tashi serves as a Planning Officer at the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) and is a valued board member of EAB. Connect with Tashi on X . Disclaimer: The content of the blog is the responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eval4Action co-leaders and partners.

By Alok Srivastava Director, CMS Social India is estimated to have a population of around 1.4 billion, as per the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) State of World Population 2024 report, constituting about one-sixth of the world’s population. Around two-thirds of India is below 35 years of age. [1]   Relying on this demographic dividend, India can ensure a decisive role for the young minds in eliminating poverty and ensuring that no one is left behind in India’s journey from a developing to a developed economy.  Evaluation has a key role in assessing progress for development. Evaluation eco-system in the country must therefore aim to ensure active engagement of youth in different phases of an evaluation. Commissioners of evaluation, donors and consultancy organizations as major drivers of evaluation have an important responsibility towards ensuring youth-driven evaluation.  Youth can play diverse roles in the evaluation process- one, as a respondent or participant in the evaluation exercise, contribute by sharing information and their opinion about interventions, and two, as a young emerging evaluator, use their technical skill and knowledge in evaluating the outputs and outcomes of interventions. In fact, the participation of youth becomes even more critical during the dissemination and review of the evaluation findings at the stakeholders’ levels, as it shapes the intervention strategy for the future.  However, currently, the participation of youth is not encouraging. The ‘missing youth’ in most evaluations is primarily due to a collective failure of the consultancy organisations and to a large extent of commissioners and donors of the evaluation.  In the Indian context, some key contributing factors to this concern. Academic institutions mostly do not offer exclusive courses on evaluation, particularly at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This leaves the professional organizations in the evaluation sector with a dearth of young professionals willing to be part of this sector and build their careers. Due to a lack of a comprehensive academic course on evaluation, the evaluative knowledge and skills among young professionals are limited. As a result, it mainly falls on the organizations hiring these young professionals to familiarize them even with the basics of evaluation.  Terms of references (ToRs)/Request for proposals (RfPs), do not insist or give weightage to proposals having a core team with young and emerging evaluators in key roles. A very critical aspect but currently not in practice. In fact, ToRs and RfPs often prioritize technical proposals from teams with extensive experience across various sectors. However, these documents rarely encourage or require the inclusion of academically qualified young professionals with limited practical experience in evaluation. The participation of youth on both sides of the table, as an evaluator and as a contributor to the evaluation findings, is limited at present. Inclusion of youth as an important stakeholder at both the levels will ensure ownership of the evaluation results and better outcomes of the development interventions. Encouraging youth to be part of each evaluation assignment or at least in most of the evaluations will have three-fold benefits. One, encourages youth to take up evaluation as a profession; two, consultancy organizations will have a second line of evaluators readily available; and three, young professionals will provide a fresh perspective to the evaluation approach and findings.  Youth are often not considered as a key stakeholder while formulating, operationalizing or disseminating evaluation results. Views and opinions of experts matter more. The participation of youth on both sides of the table, as an evaluator and as a contributor to the evaluation findings, is limited at present. Inclusion of youth as an important stakeholder at both the levels will ensure ownership of the evaluation results and better outcomes of the development interventions. The Centre for Media Studies (CMS) is an independent, non-profit social research and evaluation think tank, since 1991. It is dedicated to multi-disciplinary research-driven initiatives that enable policymakers to take informed decisions on development and social change to improve quality of life. CMS is one of the few organizations in India to have an accredited Institutional Review Board (IRB) on ethics to review evaluation protocols for promoting ethical norms in evaluations undertaken by CMS as well as other organizations. To add to its credentials, CMS was recognized as a Super Champion  for upholding the Youth in Evaluation standards , during Youth in Evaluation week 2024 . CMS, since its initial years, has encouraged the participation of young professionals in evaluation. Young and emerging evaluators are like a free-flowing stream, which needs to be cuddled, guided and regulated to strive for high standards of evaluation practices.  As a standard operating protocol, evaluation assignments undertaken by CMS have always been guided by the following four cornerstones: A mixed team of experienced and emerging evaluation professionals.  Delegation of responsibilities to emerging evaluators. Ensuring capacity building and handholding of young professionals at different phases of the assignments. Opportunities for young evaluators in the core team to interact with clients and partners. CMS not only welcomes young graduates from universities to participate in primary data collection but also ensures that the core evaluation team comprises a mix of experienced and emerging evaluators. Along with youth, the focus is always on encouraging female evaluators in the team. Particularly during interaction with the community members and keeping the cultural context in mind, gender matching to the extent possible, among evaluators and participants from the community, is encouraged.  A young evaluator leads a session with the core group of evaluators during an evaluation assignment With the vision and belief that “research is not an end in itself but a means and an objective way of leading to advocacy, empowering and achieving social equity”, CMS encourages and empowers young evaluators cutting across gender and regional diversity in India. Aligning with the vision of CMS that research can enable change through informed decision-making about the programmes, policies and practices, we at CMS, engage young evaluators as active partners in the evaluation process. Evaluators from different regions of the country bring local knowledge and values, which are vital for sustainable change.   Making young evaluators a part of the decision-making starts with putting them in responsible roles in different phases of the evaluation, be it literature review, development of parameters and indicators, evaluation instruments, analysis plan and reporting. At CMS, the young evaluators get exposure to different phases of evaluation in multidisciplinary thematic areas and this broadens the horizon of analytical thinking. To CMS' advantage, young evaluators bring with them a new and fresh outlook. For the young professionals, access and exposure to various development issues have multiplied with the emergence of social media tools. Ease of access to these social media discussions and even participation sharpens their professional expertise. Organizations engaging the youth will definitely benefit from it! Making young evaluators a part of the decision-making starts with putting them in responsible roles in different phases of the evaluation. At the same time, constant encouragement for learning and providing sufficient time and space beyond their engagement in ongoing evaluation assignments is desirable. Short-term courses, attending workshops and seminars are some regular features, which is encouraged among young evaluators. This helps in improving efficiency of young evaluators in not only the ongoing assignments they are involved in but also adds valuable insights to the evaluation findings. Opportunities to interact with clients and partners helps young evaluators to streamline their thought process; uphold their emotional intelligence; and make better decisions. It helps the young evaluators to articulate their presentation of thoughts and analysis in a more professional manner. At CMS, we provide as much exposure as possible to at least a couple of young evaluators every year in key evaluation assignments. We aim to develop a second line of evaluators in leadership roles. Irrespective of young evaluators joining CMS, as interns (short-term) or as young professionals (long-term), we always aim to inculcate good evaluation behaviour in them. No doubt, some stay back and continue with CMS while others move on for better opportunities. The challenge continues and so does our efforts towards creating a team of emerging evaluators! Alok Srivastava is the Director of  CMS Social at the Centre for Media Studies,  with nearly three decades of experience in the development evaluation sector.   He is a regular resource person on evaluation and ethics, in particular. Alok is one of the founding members of the Evaluation Community of India (EC OI) and ex-convenor of the Inter-Regional Initiative for Professionalization of Evaluation (IRIPE). He has contributed papers and articles on evaluation-related issues in esteemed journals and publications. Connect with Alok on LinkedIn . [1] Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, 2011 Disclaimer: The content of the blog is the responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eval4Action co-leaders and partners.

By Beeta Tahmassebi EnCompass At EnCompass , we are proud to foster an inclusive, empathetic, and responsive approach to leadership in the evaluation field. Over the years, our engagement with young leaders—through initiatives like the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the American Evaluation Association’s Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) programme, and scholarships to the EnCompass Learning Center (ELC)—has deepened our understanding of the value of engaging young and emerging professionals in evaluation and earned us a 2024 Youth in Evaluation super champion  designation from EvalYouth, under the framework of the Eval4Action campaign. Our practices have not only supported young professionals but have also enriched our organization, providing us with fresh insights that are driving innovation. Supporting youth through scholarships and training A key part of our commitment to youth engagement is providing scholarships through EvalYouth to the ELC , a practice we began upon launching the Center in 2020. These scholarships ensure that young evaluators from diverse backgrounds have access to high-quality learning opportunities, equipping them with the skills and tools they need to excel in the field. We have consistently received positive feedback from our EvalYouth participants, both about the engaged content and the well-designed, engaging training methods the ELC features. We have been thrilled to see the impact of this initiative, as it empowers young leaders to take on leadership roles in evaluation and actively contribute to building stronger, more equitable systems. Since its inception, the ELC has become a hub for knowledge sharing and professional development, offering courses that reflect the evolving needs of the evaluation community. Through our partnership with EvalYouth, we’ve been able to extend these resources to the next generation, ensuring that young evaluators are prepared to drive meaningful change in their communities. “Through the EnCompass Learning Center classes on Programme Monitoring and  Participatory Data Analysis, Integration, and Synthesis  that I participated in, I learned many of the elements of project design, something that I was really looking forward to. I am glad I will be going back home with insights on how I can turn my project ideas into activities that will bring meaningful impact in the communities.” Mandela Fellow, 2022   Expanding support through P2P+ and Eval4Action   In addition to our work with scholarships, EnCompass is proud to serve as a regional partner in the P2p+  effort. P2p+, founded by the World Bank Group, UNFPA, GEI, and other global leaders, is designed to address the technical and career advisory needs of young and emerging evaluators (YEEs) through a network of peer support. This initiative connects YEEs with mentors and peers who can provide them with the guidance and resources needed to advance in their careers. For EnCompass, this partnership reflects a continuation of our longstanding commitment to Eval4Action  and our support of the YEE community. By contributing to the P2P+ initiative, we are helping to build a robust network of young evaluators, ensuring that they have access to the technical knowledge, career guidance, and professional development opportunities required to thrive in the field. Through this effort, we are contributing to a global movement that empowers the next generation of evaluation leaders to take on leadership roles, shaping more equitable and impactful systems worldwide. Broadening horizons through youth leadership   Our work with Mandela Fellows , GEDI interns , ELC scholars, and YEEs more broadly has expanded our perspectives and deepened our understanding of how evaluation can better serve diverse communities. These young leaders bring fresh ideas and lived experiences that help us challenge traditional approaches, fostering innovation in how we design and implement evaluations and programmes. Their insights have enriched our work, providing new angles to address complex social issues.   Reinforcing inclusivity and empathy Through these partnerships, we are constantly reminded of the importance of creating inclusive and empathetic evaluation processes. The young professionals we engage with often raise important questions about equity, access, and representation, urging us to think more deeply about how we approach our work. Their voices help us to ensure that our evaluations are not only culturally responsive but also inclusive of marginalized communities. Supporting young leaders also allows us to reflect on our own organizational values, reinforcing our commitment to being a space where diverse perspectives are welcomed and youth are empowered to take on leadership roles. This aligns with EnCompass’ mission to create evaluations that are not just methodologically sound but also reflective of the communities we serve. Learning through engagement One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned through these initiatives is the importance of mentorship and support. Whether it’s through our Mandela Fellows, GEDI interns, or EnCompass Learning Center scholarship recipients, we have found that investing in young leaders strengthens not only their professional development but also our organizational capacity. Their energy, innovative thinking, and commitment to social change keep us motivated to push the boundaries of what is possible in evaluation. Through these engagements we have learned quite a bit —about new trends in evaluation, the challenges facing emerging leaders, and innovative solutions to persistent social problems. By engaging in these intergenerational dialogues, we ensure that our work remains cutting-edge and responsive to the changing needs of the evaluation field. Looking forward: A future of inclusive leadership As we look to the future, we are excited to continue our work with the next generation of evaluators. The insights and leadership that young professionals bring to the table are critical to shaping a more inclusive, just, and equitable world. By continuing to provide scholarships, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, we hope to not only contribute to their growth but also ensure that the field of evaluation remains dynamic and responsive to global challenges. At EnCompass, we believe that youth engagement is essential to achieving our mission of fostering inclusive, high-impact evaluation practices. Through initiatives like the ELC, Mandela Washington Fellowship, and GEDI programme, we are proud to play a role in shaping the leaders who will drive the future of evaluation. These young professionals are powerful agents of change, and we look forward to continuing to support their journeys in leadership and social impact. For YEEs who are interested in learning more about opportunities with EnCompass, please visit EnCompass’s careers and consulting portal . Beeta Tahmassebi oversees EnCompass' knowledge management and communications teams, manages enterprise risk management, and is the Executive Director for the  EnCompass Learning Center (ELC) .  She has managed evaluation and development programs for a range of clients.  Beeta serves on the Board of Directors (2021 President) for  Washington Evaluators , the largest local affiliate of the American Evaluation Association. She is a champion for young and emerging evaluators, bringing a strong commitment to lifelong learning to EnCompass' clients. Connect with Beeta on LinkedIn . Disclaimer: The content of the blog is the responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eval4Action co-leaders and partners.

By Faith Nsanshya Chilupula and Karen Cadondon UNFPA Independent Evaluation Office Investing in young people in evaluation is not just the right thing to do; it is a strategic investment for a sustainable and equitable future. The UNFPA Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) recognizes this and is committed to empowering young people to participate meaningfully in evaluation. This commitment aligns with the global commitment to youth engagement in decision-making, as exemplified by the recent adoption of the Pact for the Future.  The engagement of youth in evaluation builds their agency, enabling them to realize their full potential. At UNFPA, we see young people as drivers of change, and not just those that benefit from development programmes. To truly engage young people in evaluation, we need to rethink old ways of doing things and recognize the fresh perspectives and ideas that young people bring to evaluation. This means working across generations, and with a wide range of partners and sectors, so that young people can have real engagement in evaluation. To truly engage young people in evaluation, we need to rethink old ways of doing things and recognize the fresh perspectives and ideas that young people bring to evaluation. At IEO, we have made youth engagement a core part of how we work. This commitment is captured in the UNFPA  Evaluation Policy 2024  and the UNFPA Evaluation Strategy 2022–2025 , which prioritize the capacity building of youth and enhancing their meaningful participation in evaluation. To bring this vision to life, IEO is taking a three-fold approach: Building an enabling environment for youth engagement in evaluation Strengthening institutional capacities for organizations to meaningfully engage youth in evaluation  Strengthening individual capacities of youth for professional evaluation work. Walking the talk by investing in an enabling environment IEO’s approach to youth engagement in evaluation isn’t just about providing opportunities, it’s about creating an ecosystem where young people from all backgrounds can truly influence and engage in evaluation. Reflecting on the journey so far, it’s clear that youth bring a fresh lens to evaluation tasks and issues, and these perspectives are crucial in making evaluations more adaptive and relevant to the challenges of today’s world.  In recognition, IEO  leadership has demonstrated a real commitment to creating spaces where youth voices are heard and valued in evaluation. As an example, in 2020, the IEO, the EvalYouth Global Network and the Global Parliamentarians Forum for Evaluation launched the Decade of Evaluation for Action (Eval4Action) campaign. This was followed by the launch of the Youth in Evaluation initiative, a flagship advocacy stream of the campaign that is co-driven by young evaluators. This launch also marked the release of the Youth in Evaluation manifesto  and a follow up release of the Youth in Evaluation standards . IEO is a signatory to the Youth in Evaluation manifesto, and is upholding the Youth in Evaluation standards through various initiatives. In recognition of this effort, we are incredibly proud and honoured to be recognised as a Youth in Evaluation Super Champion  in 2024!  IEO has put the manifesto and the standards in action in several ways. One of the best examples of this is the involvement of young people throughout the evaluation of UNFPA support to adolescents and youth . In this evaluation young people took on key roles —not only as contributors and key informants, but as co-decision makers, co-managers, and evaluators. This shift meant that the IEO had to share power with young voices in a formal institutional setting– a groundbreaking move toward inclusivity that recognizes the invaluable perspectives of youth in evaluation! We compiled the lessons from this innovative and inclusive engagement of young people into a publication , accompanied by a short film , which was shared with the broader evaluation community.  Read more about the lessons from the UNFPA experience on meaningfully engaging youth in evaluation We are also at the forefront of providing youth-focused evidence to the UN system from various evidence synthesis exercises, helping advance the implementation of the UN Youth Strategy.   Investing in the capacity of institutions   Reflecting on the methodology of UNFPA evaluations, the IEO recently launched its new Evaluation Handbook 2024  which contains specific guidance on the engagement of young and emerging evaluators (YEEs) in the evaluation process. The handbook also offers guidance on how to involve youth at every stage of the evaluation process.  Complementing the handbook, this year we also released a new resource, A practical guide to meaningfully engaging youth in evaluation processes . This guide follows a key recommendation from the evaluation of UNFPA’s support to adolescents and youth. It's one of the few resources out there specifically focused on the involvement of youth in evaluation for evaluation managers, consultants and youth, making it an invaluable tool for fostering meaningful engagement.  Taking it a step further, IEO took the lead in advocating for the establishment of the first-ever United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) intergenerational working group on young and emerging evaluators (YEEs). This innovative group recently conducted a mapping exercise on the engagement of YEEs within UNEG agencies, revealing valuable insights into the current status, composition, conditions, challenges and lessons surrounding youth engagement in evaluation.  The UNEG working group also renewed a partnership with the United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) to launch the young evaluators UNV programme. This initiative aims to deploy young evaluators within the UN system, showcasing a progressive approach to cultivating young talent and integrating them into real-world evaluation processes. We also supported the development of a toolkit for evaluation associations, on increasing engagement of young evaluators in their activities, governance structures, and leadership. Investing in the capacity of young evaluators   IEO invests purposefully in raising the professional competencies of YEEs. In partnership with the Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI), the IEO has developed a comprehensive training pack on career development in monitoring and evaluation. In 2022, the IEO supported the involvement of YEEs in the Voluntary Organizations for Professional Evaluation (VOPE) governance through the VOPE Leadership Boot Camp, organized by the International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation. This initiative was aimed at cultivating leadership and boosting evaluative skills of YEEs. The IEO also supports the EvalYouth Global Network's strategic priorities by implementing its global mentoring programme and offering funding to VOPEs and EvalYouth chapters through the provision of bursaries and scholarships for youth to attend conferences, trainings and winter schools.  Building on this momentum, the 2024 cross-regional evaluation capacity development workshop hosted by IEO welcomed five young evaluators from Kenya to collaborate with M&E staff from different countries, exchanging knowledge and fostering networking opportunities. Country offices were encouraged to consider bringing in young evaluators for their upcoming  country programme evaluations. During the UNFPA cross-regional evaluation workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, young African evaluators gained skills to manage complex evaluations.   In its own exercises, the IEO has made significant strides to ensure that YEEs and young people play vital roles throughout the evaluation process. As part of the evaluation of UNFPA support to adolescents and youth, a Youth Steering Committee, made up of six young professionals, was created to guide the evaluation alongside the IEO. Additionally, national young evaluators were recruited to work in intergenerational teams with senior evaluators to conduct the country case studies. This innovative approach integrated youth voices and perspectives throughout the evaluation, enriching and deepening the entire process. Looking ahead, IEO is dedicated to advancing the implementation of the Pact for the Future through active youth participation in evaluation. In this journey, we call upon the evaluation community to adopt the Youth in Evaluation manifesto and the standards. Let us commit to creating inclusive spaces and structures where young people can actively engage in the evaluation process, shaping a future that reflects their voices and aspirations.  Faith Nsanshya Chilupula is an evaluation analyst at the UNFPA IEO, where she supports the implementation of centralized evaluations and the strengthening of the decentralized evaluation function at UNFPA. She also serves as a co-convener of the UNEG Working Group on Young and Emerging Evaluators. Connect with Faith on Linkedin   and X . Karen Cadondon is an evaluation specialist at the UNFPA IEO. She manages centralized evaluations and other evaluative exercises around adolescents and youth, including the Formative Evaluation of UNFPA Support to Adolescents and Youth and a series of inter-agency syntheses on the thematic priorities of the UN Youth Strategy. Connect with Karen on Linkedin . Disclaimer: The content of the blog is the responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eval4Action co-leaders and partners.