Evidence to Action (E2A) 2023 - Experts speak on the extraordinary convening

A special edition of our ICED News newsletter is now available on our website! This special edition features feedback from last year's E2A Conference attendees, more perspectives from some of the key speakers and experts for this year's conference, and a behind-the-scenes look from our planning committee.

Looking back at E2A 2022: A Retrospective

"I wish to extend profound gratitude to the International Centre for Evaluation and Development organizers of the Evidence to Action Conference and Exhibition held in Kampala, Uganda from September 26-30, 2022 on the theme: “Adapting innovative evaluation practices for evidence-based decision making during and beyond COVID-19”. Some of the highlights of the discussions which I considered resourceful and relevant border on reflecting on how we gather, chromize and report our evidence. The point which emphasizes careful based review of the merits and demerits within our Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) practices is an angle of routine consideration. The other point of interest was the need for developing a full culture of understanding what MEAL is designed to support from a cognitive perceptive for better decision making based on evidence not from guess or trial and error system. Given those experiences gained from the last conference, I would like to be a part of this and all other upcoming conferences." — Hon. George Tee Forpoh, Deputy Minister Regional Development, Research and Extension; Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Liberia

The Road to the E2A Conference

Countries across the African continent have seen their fair share of challenges, from COVID-19 and health crises to the effects of climate change and conflict. Along with these challenges, higher rates of youth unemployment and struggles in gender equity are also some other issues threatening the wellbeing and livelihood of Africans.

"Undertaking studies and generating evidences by itself cannot be an end. The outcomes should be discussed, sieved, and relevant ones be put into action." — Professor Mengistu Ketema, CEO of Ethiopian Economics Association

Although there are research studies giving evidence that these issues, among others, are linked to resilience and recovery actions, Professor Mengistu Ketema, CEO of the Ethiopian Economics Association, emphasizes that evidence is not enough: "...undertaking studies and generating evidences by itself cannot be an end. The outcomes should be discussed, sieved, and relevant ones be put into action."

The Evidence to Action Conference (E2A) 2023, taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from July 24-28, will bring together researchers, policymakers, and experts in academia, development, and the private sector. E2A 2023 is an opportunity for stakeholders in resilience and recovery to engage. Among other activities, they'll have the opportunity to exchange ideas and explore ways to create and take action, implementing new policies in various socioeconomic realities within the African context.

Perspectives: A Note from H.E. Mrs. Tirumar Abate Ayalew

Ethiopia is one of the member states of United Nations and African Union that has committed for Sustainable Development and accountable to inform the international community about the commitment through evidence that needs continuous monitoring and periodic evaluation of the development processes. Hence, this is the best opportunity for Ethiopian professionals for their reflection on evidence to action and a peer to-pear learning from other international experts. Moreover, I extend my invitation to the international experts for your fruitful contributions on this workshop and learn from/take lessons from Ethiopia on contextualized sustainable development and monitoring & evaluation processes to ensure accountability and transparency for the Ethiopians and the international community. — H.E. Mrs. Tirumar Abate Ayalew, State Minister, Ministry of Planning & Development, Ethiopia

Click here to read more about the E2A Conference 2023!