Although discussions highlighted a range of challenges to increasing the impact of evidence on global development policy, contributors pointed to several sources of optimism. Evidence generation has increased drastically in recent decades, and while some of the current evidence base may be of low quality there are concrete steps that can be taken to ensure a focus on high-quality data which is robust and usable. Meanwhile, there has been a proliferation of high-quality synthesis and evidence mapping products designed to provide policymakers with a menu of effective interventions across a range of policy areas, with technological advancement offering a path to their continued evolution. Further, although the signs may not be universal there is some suggestion that we may be on a path towards greater global sustainability, while a clear desire exists to address the current balance of power between the global north and south and facilitate greater levels of locally-led evidence production and development.
“The discussion here was friendly despite disagreeing, and practicable in terms of how things could be improved.”
Building on these observations, participants identified a series of key action points to drive forward the use of evidence in global development policy:
- Gather around a common cause with a clear narrative to promote the value of evidence to decision-makers
- Build capacity among governments and policymakers to understand and use evidence more effectively, and invest in rigorous testing of the impact of evidence use to demonstrate how and why it matters
- Focus on the production of evidence on cost-effectiveness to maximise the value of development investment
- Promote locally-led development to help secure a more even distribution of power and enable the shift from a supply-driven to a demand-driven model of evidence production
- Scale up effective interventions by balancing common findings with context-specificity and a focus on implementation
- Shore up the existing evidence base by sharing and synthesising findings, widening evidence accessibility, and embracing technology
- Form structured long-term partnerships between governments, researchers, and evidence brokers to foster an evaluative culture
Participants highlighted the value of periodically assessing their work against these action points, and suggested coming together to discuss progress at a potential follow-up event at Wilton Park. Contributors also acknowledged the spirit of collaboration and deep learning that was fostered during the event, and expressed a desire to solidify relationships and build on momentum via a series of Evidence and Impact Policy Diffusion calls. Four Policy Diffusion calls will be held in 2025 to deepen some aspects discussed in the report. Please get in touch with pascal.roelcke@cooperationglobale.ch to learn more.
Ian Montagu
Wilton Park | February 2025
-
Wilton Park reports are brief summaries of the main points and conclusions of a conference. The reports reflect rapporteurs’ personal interpretations of the proceedings. As such they do not constitute any institutional policy of Wilton Park nor do they necessarily represent the views of the rapporteur. Wilton Park reports and any recommendations contained therein are for participants and are not a statement of policy for Wilton Park, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) or His Majesty’s Government.
Should you wish to read other Wilton Park reports, or participate in upcoming Wilton Park events, please consult our website www.wiltonpark.org.uk.
To receive our monthly bulletin and latest updates, please subscribe to www.wiltonpark.org.uk/newsletter