UNDP National Evaluation Capacity Conference (NEC)

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The NEC Conference series is part of an IEO strategy to support the development of national evaluation capacity, but distinguishes itself in that it focuses on supporting the governments with which UNDP works across the globe. In partnership with a host government, the NEC Conferences are held by the IEO in a new region every two years. The conferences have the following general objectives: (1) Provide a forum for discussion of lessons and challenges at the national level pertaining to the evaluation function; (2) Enable participants to draw on the experiences of other countries; and (3) Facilitate longer-term initiatives through South-South and triangular cooperation to strengthen national capacities for public policy evaluation. Strengthening national capacities for public policy evaluation is the primary aim of the conference. Government entities, with the responsibility of conducting evaluation, as well as being the users of the evaluation with policy and planning functions, are the primary audience. In addition, evaluation practitioners and members of evaluation networks and associations also make valuable contributions and engage in sessions and workshops as appropriate. The 4th NEC Conference (2015) to be held in Bangkok, in partnership with the Royal Thai Government, will be a collaboration between IEO and the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, and jointly organized with the International Development Evaluation Association (IDEAS) Global Assembly 2015 .“Blending Evaluation Principles with Human Development Practices to Change People’s Lives” is the theme of the conference. Discussions will deliberate on future priorities for a Global Evaluation Agenda for 2016 - 2020 to help evaluate the new Sustainable Development Goals and the agenda 2016 - 2030.