Evaluation is often seen as a process of assessment and compliance, while its true power lies in its ability to drive transformational change. This proposal explores how evaluation can go beyond measurement to become a tool for learning, adaptation, and strategic decision-making. By integrating participatory and systems approaches, evaluation fosters continuous improvement and innovation within organizations and communities. 

The session will highlight real-world examples where evaluation has led to significant shifts in policy, practice, and social impact. Key themes will include systems thinking, equity-centered evaluation and the role of evaluation in fostering organizational resilience. Participants will gain insights into designing evaluations that not only assess impact but also catalyze change. The discussion will emphasize how evaluators can act as change agents, facilitating reflection and action. This session is particularly relevant for professionals in nonprofits, government, education, and philanthropy seeking to harness evaluation for transformative purposes. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for embedding evaluation into their change processes. By reimagining evaluation as a dynamic force, it will unlock its full potential to shape a more effective and just society.

The session will also explore transformational dimensions of evaluation, ensuring that it is used responsibly and inclusively. Emphasis will be placed on co-creation with stakeholders, making evaluation a collaborative and empowering process. Interactive discussions and case studies will provide attendees with tangible examples of evaluation-driven transformation. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their own evaluation practices and identify areas for growth. Ultimately, this session aims to inspire evaluators and decision-makers to leverage evaluation as a powerful catalyst for sustainable and meaningful change.

moderacja: Anna Augustyn, Polskie Towarzystwo Ewaluacyjne / Międzynarodowa Akademia Ewaluacji

paneliści:

• Dr Ian Goldman – President of the International Evaluation Academy, ex Deputy Director General in the South African Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (P01)
• Dr Rajib Nandi –Chairperson of the Community of Evaluators South Asia, and co-founder of the Evaluation Community of India (ECOI) (P02)
• Ana Erika Lareza – Chair of the EvalYouth Global Network, co-founder of EvalYouth Asia and the Asia Pacific Communications Hub (P03)