RE: How are we progressing in SDG evaluation? | Eval Forward

Dear members,

My contribution.

Evaluation is a critical factor and core subject when assessing the progress towards UN SDGs. The emphasis placed on the role of evaluation in SDGs' achievement is justified because its contribution to making a difference and the institutionalized data and statistics developmental strides enhancing SDG-related progress across nations. Evaluation is vital in research and in programmes/projects embarked by individuals, institutions and nations in line with SDGs. The outcomes of programmes/projects are better known thanks to evaluation. Ascertaining the levels of progress and how it can upscale the necessary gap bridging between or among nations can be perfectly done by those involved in evaluation.

For example, the inequality in world's economy between global north and south can be measured and better understood using reliable data sources through evaluations. Only when a nation's economy has been evaluated with reliable data/evidence, assistance can be provided to bridge the inequalities. Without data validation by the evaluators, no help can be sought to make progress towards the UN SDGs. To understand economic progress  the evaluation of relevant data is required to validate the findings. As an example, a research study on data from USA and China provided me a sound comparison of their development levels and progress. Evaluation is key to UN SDGs accomplishments and success. Evaluation is knowledge, findings . Furthermore, evaluationis what validates the findings and empirical facts of research and relevant programmes.

Empirical facts can be validated by economy indexes and indicators. In the case of USA and China the researcher got its information from World Bank and IMF. These are reliable sources which can validate the strenght of their economies  andtheir global hegemony. This research is an important verdict to ascertain the global north and south economy inequality before calling for programmes/projects’ implementation to bridge the gap. When the issue(s) is known, fixing it won't be difficult, that is the stands of evaluation.

However, sustaining SDGs progress, countries most know the fundamental issues for developmental strides of their economies. This is why evaluation is paramount to SDGs developmental goals in the world. This will help to validate the progress made so far and how to improve on it or them. In addition the 17 SDGs need proper institutionalized monitoring and evaluation to make a difference in world's economy trajectory growth and developmental sustainability. Evaluation contribution to SDGs target is imperative whether as research or programmes/projects. Nevertheless, I think there is need to have an institutionalized governing data body that evaluates the progress of nation's development from local areas, states' level, national, sub-national and international levels. This will really help and assist UN SDGs targets. The local level areas will give the true pictures of communities development at national level of a nation in SDG programmes/projects and research.

Moreso, identifying what works, begins with local level evaluators to national and international levels. It trickles from down up. If truly there is an institutionalized governing body for data evaluation and validation, what works will be easy to identify and lessons learned will be made known for effective SDGs implementation and progress. All these factors have to do with cultural differences which means a lot in developmental strides of a nation. This is why local and national evaluation is paramount to SDGs targets. In other words, what works for country A might no work for country B, that is to say, environmental factors and differences and influence are subject and better understood through local and national evaluators for progress of SDGs programmes/projects or goals. Evaluation is a key component to reach out to maximize a possible change of world's economy development, peace, justice, zero hunger, quality healthcare, good education and no poverty etc.

Finally, to have a true comprehensive nature and effective development across board in nations, let there be mixture of UN, sub-national, national, local evaluators integration, comprises of different bodies from federal, state, local levels, private sector, civil society organizations, NGOs and UN agencies in monitoring and evaluating SDGs targets implementation and sustainability. This will bring policies of inclusiveness for all stakeholders for SDGs achievements globally.

Thank you.

Esosa.