Meaningful youth engagement in evaluation: Multiplying the transformative power of evaluation, Lessons from UNFPA experience
Resource date: 06 Nov 2023
In 2021-2022, the UNFPA Evaluation Office pioneered a new approach to youth engagement in the formative evaluation of UNFPA support to adolescents and youth. A diverse group of young people engaged in the evaluation as contributors, evaluators, and key informants, as well as co-managers and co-decision makers—a new initiative within the United Nations system. A first-of-its-kind Youth Steering Committee co-managed the evaluation in collaboration with senior professionals at the Evaluation Office. In addition, 14 young evaluators conducted in-depth country case studies for data collection and analysis. The insights from the young professional network at UNFPA, known as the "Tangerines", were leveraged during the data validation process. The Evaluation Office also sought the views and perspectives of more than 830 young people as key sources of evidence.
The EvalYouth Global Network partnered with the Evaluation Office to identify young professionals for the Youth Steering Committee, as well as evaluators for the country case studies. This valuable intergenerational exchange and collaboration benefitted the evaluation and young and senior professionals involved.
Watch the video summary of the lessons learned
The lessons from this innovative and inclusive engagement of young people are documented in a publication and an accompanying short film. The lessons highlight the importance of sharing power with young people; creating a conducive space for engagement; transparent and inclusive selection procedures; clarity on the purpose of youth engagement; managing expectations; integration of young voices throughout the evaluation; dedicated learning opportunities; and a focus on empowering youth.
These lessons will be useful to the broader evaluation community, and in particular to evaluation commissioners, evaluation managers and evaluators who are seeking innovative and proven strategies to advance youth engagement in evaluation. This experience also aligns with the Evaluation Office’s commitment to the Youth in Evaluation manifesto and upholds the Youth in Evaluation standards, key tools advanced by the Eval4Action advocacy campaign to drive meaningful youth engagement in evaluation.
