As an organizational developer keenly focused on AI integration, I observe that civil society organizations (CSOs) globally are grappling with a complex, urgent task: defining clear, ethical, and practical positions on the use of artificial intelligence. This is not merely an IT challenge; it is a fundamental discussion about organizational values, risk tolerance, and future … Read more
(tl:dr) EU aid for trade to least developed countries (LDCs) remains a critical aspect of the bloc’s development cooperation, aiming to address barriers to trade, foster economic growth, and contribute to poverty reduction. However, European Court of Auditors Special Report 17/2025 delivers a sobering assessment: needs are recognized and support is being delivered, but EU … Read more
The European Union’s vision for sustainable global partnerships is embodied in two key frameworks: Team Europe Initiatives (TEIs) and the Global Gateway (GG) strategy. These frameworks aim to foster coordinated efforts among EU Member States, mobilize investments, and drive transformative impacts in partner countries. However, bringing this vision to life requires the expertise and innovation … Read more
We had a discussion today among colleagues of INTRAC and other leading organisations on decolonising consultancy. Here are some thoughts about it. Please follow INTRAC and join the discussion: https://www.intrac.org/tag/decolonising-consultancy/ Is international development consulting colonial? In certain ways, international development consulting can be characterised as colonial, however it is crucial to emphasize that this definition … Read more
Speaking evidence to power Reporting evaluation results and communicating them effectively to policymakers and program managers is critical for improving uptake at the policy level and programming. By following the recommendations outlined in this article, evaluators can safeguard that their evaluation results are clear, concise, and actionable, and that they are communicated in a way … Read more
Evaluation in the COVID-19 pandemic mode, Part 1 by Karsten Weitzenegger, updated 7 May 2020 Evaluation can inform global policy decisions during the coronavirus pandemic. However, M&E systems themselves are affected by the current crisis. Here is a quick review of recent literature. This may guide evaluators and managers in global development evaluation. Comments are … Read more
The UN dedicates its own anniversary on 24 October to Development Information. Since 1972 we celebrate World Development Information Day. Let’s party! “Information and communications technologies have the potential to provide new solutions to development challenges, particularly in the context of globalization, and can foster economic growth, competitiveness, access to information and knowledge, poverty eradication … Read more
Karsten Weitzenegger leads the Saana Consulting Team for external evaluation of the Sida-funded capacity-building activities of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). BACKGROUND The launching of the evaluation follows a considerable period of preparation and consultation, and a competitive international tendering process that concluded with the contracting of the selected team in February 2019. The … Read more
A recent STDF project evaluation on developing training manuals and kits on IPPC standards scored highly on relevance and efficiency. With 20+ global manuals now published, National Plant Protection Organizations have greater access to technical resources. View the guides online and download the evaluation report. The World Trade Organization has contracted Karsten Weitzenegger to evaluate a phytosanitary … Read more
Karsten Weitzenegger is contracted by German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval) to carry out a meta-analysis of poverty-related reports done in Costa Rica recently. The meta-analysis will serve to systematize achievements, favorable and unfavorable factors and recommendations in relation to the objective of the fight against poverty. During the period 2015-2017, Costa Rica has made … Read more
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has commissioned Karsten Weitzenegger to evaluate their work in North-Macedonia. FES has been represented with an office in Skopje since 1996. There is a part of the regional project “Social and Political Dialogue in Southeastern Europe”. For decades, FES has been working as a partner in German foreign and development policy. The promotion … Read more
Data are a prerequisite for delivering the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ensuring that no one is left behind. The Development Co‑operation Report 2017 focuses on data for development because quality, timely and disaggregated data are crucial for achieving the ultimate goal of development: improving the welfare of people and fighting … Read more