Evaluation Report: Joint Nordic Evaluation of Contributions to Trust Funds
The evaluation assessed Nordic support to multilateral trust funds over the period 2004–2023, with a main focus on the last decade (2013–2023). It examined how trust funds managed by the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office, the World Bank and the African Development Bank have advanced Nordic policy priorities, supported multilateralism and delivered development results. The evaluation was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
Overall, the evaluation found that trust funds have been an effective modality for promoting Nordic priorities such as gender equality, human rights, climate action and poverty reduction, while strengthening multilateral institutions. Results were generally satisfactory, but weaknesses in outcome reporting and limited efficiency-related data reduced the ability to assess cost-effectiveness. Nordic influence was exercised through funding, policy dialogue and earmarking, though coordination among Nordic donors remained limited.
Recommendations call for a more strategic and prioritised approach to trust fund engagement, stronger integration with multilateral policy dialogue, improved monitoring and communication of results, clearer exit considerations, and enhanced Nordic cooperation to improve effectiveness, efficiency and learning.
Publication
Joint Nordic Evaluation of Contributions to Trust Funds (PDF, 101 pages, 1.7 MB)