Overview
This evaluation evidence map was prepared by the UNSDG System-Wide Evaluation Office (SWEO). It aims to improve access to the extensive evaluation evidence generated by UN entities in the context of system-wide and intergovernmental policy discussions, including the 2024 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR), in line with the provisions of General Assembly resolution 78/166 (2023).
The map features 783 evaluations published by UN system entities between January 2021 and April 2024. The columns are 24 priority areas derived from the 2020 QCPR (A/RES/75/233) spanning strategic, thematic and cross-cutting issues, as well as development system management, functioning and funding. The rows are different types of evaluations, including global, regional, country and emergency response, as well as joint programmes and pooled funding. Existing syntheses and summaries of evidence from multiple evaluations are also included.
Evaluations were tagged to a QCPR priority area only if it was a central focus of the report with relevant and detailed analysis throughout. A separate map which tags evaluations with more limited analysis relevant to the topic is also available within this series (blue colour scheme).
The classification of evidence to create the map and the drafting of evaluation abstracts was achieved through an innovative and iterative methodology of human-artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration, using a large language model. Iterative testing and quality assurance throughout the development process provided a relatively high level of confidence in the classification. However, inaccuracies and errors (of inclusion or exclusion) may still be present.
This map has been developed as a pilot exercise and can be considered as a proof of concept for further exploration of the use of AI for UN system-wide evaluation evidence mapping and summaries.
The UNSDG System-Wide Evaluation Office coordinated this initiative with substantive contributions of funding and management time by IFAD, UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF and WFP.
The series also includes evidence summaries and briefs on:
- The resident coordinator system
- UN development system reform at the regional level
- Food systems
- Whole of system responses to complex settings
- Funding quality
The complete series is available at: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/what-we-do/oas-qcpr/2020-qcpr-status-reporting
For further information please contact: un-systemwideevaluationoffice@un.org
Disclaimer: The designations employed do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the United Nations Secretariat concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area, or of its authorities.
