Impact Evaluations in a Changing Aid Landscape: Martina Björkman Nyqvist and Jos Vaessen

A critical look at how impact evaluations have been conducted and how their role may evolve as aid priorities shift. Professor Martina Björkman Nyqvist, Stockholm School of Economics and Professor Jos Vaessen, Chief Evaluation Officer, Independent Evaluation Group, World Bank, took part in a panel discussion at a conference, jointly organised by The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Expert Group for Aid Studies (EBA). Swedish aid will be designed and implemented in accordance with the government's aid policy. Efforts will be supported by evidence in the form of research, evaluation and proven experience. But how can we develop and use evidence on aid effectiveness? How can evidence and learning be integrated into governance and implementation? What drives poverty reduction and prosperity at a country level? These questions, and others, were addressed at the conference, which brought together decision-makers and change agents from government agencies and state-owned companies involved in Swedish aid (Team Sweden) and leading international experts in evaluation, evidence-based policy and aid effectiveness. The conference aimed to establish a foundation for ongoing dialogue and networking regarding the achievement of effective aid-funded work and cooperation.