KDI School and World Bank co-hosted a Regional Impact Evaluation Workshop from August 29^th to September 2^nd, 2011 under the theme of turning promises into evidence. With the goal of improving aid effectiveness through impact evaluation, the workshop took place at the Plaza Hotel Seoul whereby 125 participants from KDI School, Korean government officials and six Asian countries (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, China, Vietnam, and Philippines) came together to share their research and experience. The list of presenters featured Professor Paul Gertler from UC Berkeley, a world-renowned expert in the field of development assistance impact evaluation, and the World Bank economists including Adam Ross, Patrick Primand, Paloma Acevedo, Jed Friedman, Deon Filmer and Yoonyoung Cho.

The workshop studied the impact evaluation of development assistance programs both technically and politically, thereby underscoring the importance of program design. It introduced a new research methodology which is a key to the impact evaluation. In addition, the participants were enlightened on common mistakes made by evaluators and ways to avoid them, as well as criteria for identifying appropriate methodologies to apply.

The workshop operated three types of sessions: plenary sessions where all the participants attended, parallel sessions where evaluation experts from six East Asian countries attended a workshop of their interest, and small group sessions where they were joined by the KDI School participants and Korean government officials to discuss in-depth about their ongoing projects in respective countries. This approach made the workshop more relevant as it linked the theoretical research to hands-on experience of participants. The World Bank experts moved from one group to another providing constructive advice on best practices in impact evaluation projects.

The impact evaluation workshop demonstrated continued dedication of the Korean government and KDI School, to positively affect the developing world by focusing on strategic areas that can have a tangible impact in their socio-economic development. After the five-day intensive schedule, participants were awarded certificates and reading materials on impact evaluation. The seriousness and attentiveness of the participants displayed throughout the workshop have revealed their determination to turn promises into evidence as they return to their respective countries.

By Julius John LWENJE (2011 MPP, Tanzania)