APAC Nominated Evaluator Training and an APAC Lead Evaluator Workshop was held in Shanghai from 24-27 February 2025. These events were kindly hosted by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS), and brought together experts, leaders, and practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific region to share insights, discuss challenges, and enhance their evaluation skills. The workshop, designed to foster collaboration and deepen expertise, was an opportunity for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions about the latest trends, methodologies, and best practices in evaluation.
Attendees participated in a series of interactive sessions and case studies led by experienced facilitators. The workshop covered a wide range of topics, from the fundamentals of evaluation to more advanced techniques tailored to the unique needs of the APAC region. Key areas of focus included:
- Evaluation Frameworks and Methodologies: Participants explored various evaluation models, with a special emphasis on how they can be applied within the diverse contexts of the APAC region. This included strategies for adapting evaluations to different cultural, economic, and social environments.
- Capacity Building: A major goal of the workshop was to strengthen the evaluation capacity of participants. Through hands-on exercises and group activities, attendees enhanced their skills in designing, implementing, and analyzing evaluations. Emphasis was placed on fostering practical competencies that could be applied immediately to their work.
- Cross-Cultural and Regional Challenges: The workshop featured several discussions on the challenges and opportunities specific to the APAC region. From navigating cross-cultural complexities to understanding regional development priorities, participants engaged in rich conversations about tailoring evaluations to reflect local realities.
- Use of Technology in Evaluation: With the increasing role of digital tools in the evaluation process, the workshop included sessions on leveraging technology for data collection, analysis, and reporting. Participants gained insights into how innovative tools can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of evaluations.
- Networking and Collaboration: One of the highlights of the workshop was the opportunity for participants to network with peers and experts from diverse sectors. This created an environment of collaboration, enabling participants to exchange ideas, establish connections, and discuss potential partnerships.
Throughout the workshop, participants were reminded of the core mission of APAC – to strengthen the capacity of professionals across the region to conduct high-quality evaluations that drive informed decision-making and improve development outcomes. APAC is committed to promoting the principles of inclusivity, accountability, and learning, ensuring that evaluation practices are responsive to the diverse needs of the region. This mission was central to the workshop’s discussions, fostering a shared understanding of the vital role evaluations play in achieving sustainable development and improving the lives of people in the APAC region.
The workshop concluded with a commitment to advancing the practice of evaluation in the region. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped with new knowledge and tools to improve their work as lead evaluators. The success of the APAC Lead Evaluator Workshop in Shanghai demonstrated the value of creating spaces for learning, sharing, and growing within the evaluation community. The event not only deepened participants’ understanding of evaluation practices but also reinforced the importance of building a collaborative network across the APAC region, ensuring that evaluation efforts are more effective, relevant, and impactful. By aligning with APAC’s core mission, the workshop helped lay the groundwork for even greater strides toward building a culture of continuous learning and improvement in evaluation across the Asia-Pacific region.
APAC Lead Evaluator Workshop attendees
APAC Nominated Evaluator Training attendees