The Evaluation Function of the CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES), collaborating consultants, and the EvalForward team supported the in-depth and lively discussion on the role and value of EAs in program evaluations. The online discussion gathered 42 contributions. Participants come from diverse professional backgrounds and many regions of the world. Participant profiles included monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialists, evaluation leads, evaluation specialists, founders, researchers, consultants, and government representatives, among others. 

The key points that emerged are summarized in this document. The full discussion is available here.