Evaluation Report: Strategic Joint Evaluation of the Collective International Development and Humanitarian Assistance Response to the COVID‑19 Pandemic
Finland participated in the joint evaluation conducted by the COVID‑19 Global Evaluation Coalition. The evaluation examined the international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance response to the COVID‑19 crisis in 2020–2022.
The evaluation showed that although resources were mobilised quickly, the targeting of assistance was not always efficient or equitable. Existing financing channels enabled rapid action, but were not always suited to the specific needs of the pandemic. Actions based on a narrowly defined national interest proved ineffective, whereas solutions grounded in international solidarity and reciprocity yielded better results.
Development cooperation was most effective when implemented through existing partnerships and national systems. Weaknesses identified included inefficient resource allocation, inconsistent policy measures, and a lack of learning. The recommendations emphasise crisis preparedness planning, flexible financing, strengthening the multilateral system, and long‑term support for national social and health systems.