The contribution of international co-operation to the sustainable development of partner countries depends, not only on the amounts invested, but on the effectiveness of that co-operation, and the strength of partnerships. Policies and other activities should be relevant to the context, achieve long-lasting development results, and have positive, lasting impacts.
Robust, independent evaluation of development programmes provides information about what works, what does not and why.
The OECD supports better evaluation and learning, which helps to improve the effectiveness of international co-operation and to hold development partners and partner country governments accountable for results.
While the adoption of results-based approaches in development co-operation is on the rise, studies conducted by the OECD and other institutions persistently highlight opportunities and deficiencies in the way tools and methodologies are used to ensure a focus on sustainable development impact.
The OECD compiles the lessons, best practice, innovations and guidance to improve the design, monitoring, evaluation and learning systems for development co-operation.
Supported by the OECD-UNDP Joint Support Team, the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC) promotes collective accountability on the effectiveness of development co-operation.
This monitoring provides invaluable insights on a range of topics from the status of country systems to the focus on the most vulnerable people in a community in line with the commitment to leave no one behind (LNOB), or the state of public financial management and transparency.
The GPEDC tracks the progress of developing countries, their partners and other actors in implementing internationally agreed commitments to more effective development co-operation.
By reviewing how they work together at the country level, the Partnership inspires them to improve their practices for better development results.
As members respond to growing learning and accountability needs, many are investing more in evaluation systems. There has been a steady increase in the number of evaluations conducted by providers of development assistance.
Development co-operation organisations have made notable progress in introducing and adapting results-based approaches. However, too many of them are focused on internal reporting and accountability procedures. They could do more to create cultures of learning and mutual accountability to improve effectiveness, and increase harmonisation with others to strengthen local capacities.
