Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - October 8-9, 2024: The Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB) organizes the 6th IsDB Group Evaluation Symposium, themed “Cherishing Learning and Charting out the Future: The Strategic Value of Evaluation in Decision-Making.” The two-day event taking place at the IsDB Group headquarters and streamed live on YouTube, gathers experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from across the globe in high-level discussions exploring how evaluation can serve as a powerful tool to enhance strategic programming and drive sustainable development.

In the Opening Ceremony, His Excellency Dr. Zamir Iqbal, VP Finance and CFO, representing His Excellency Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the IsDB Group, underscored the significance of reflection and forward-thinking. He stated: "As we reflect on our journey over the past 50 years, let us honor the progress we have made and the lessons we have learned. But more importantly, let us look ahead with a shared sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to delivering meaningful, sustainable development for generations to come. It is my sincere hope that this symposium serves as a catalyst for curiosity, igniting thoughtful discussions and encouraging the exchange of fresh, innovative ideas." 

Day 1 sessions cover leveraging evaluation for strategic insights, responding to global shifts, and corporate evaluation learnings, with contributions from IsDB leaders and international experts, including Dr. Sabine Bernabè from the World Bank Group. Day 2 centers on adaptive evaluation strategies, emphasizing the evolving role of monitoring and evaluation in meeting the demands of a transformative era. The second day will include a fire chat discussion and a session on proactive strategies for a dynamic global landscape, with insights from senior executives across IsDB Group entities.

The Symposium is a crucial learning and knowledge sharing activity that aligns with the mandate of the Independent Evaluation Department (IEvD), which plays a crucial role in guiding the institution’s learning and strategic decision-making. Mr. Ahmed Ag Aboubacrine, Acting Director of IEvD, remarked during the opening “Our goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of evaluation to foster innovation, learning, and improved decision-making at all levels of the organization.” The event will also showcase the latest innovations, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, used to enhance evaluation processes across IsDB projects.

The two-day Symposium is part of a broader series of events termed IEvD Evaluation Learning Week which includes learning seminars and training workshops on evaluation fundamentals and design. As the IsDB Group continues to evolve, the symposium is expected to inspire new ideas, encourage collaboration, and drive the transformation of development evaluation into a pivotal tool for shaping the future.

For further information, contact: 

The Independent Evaluation Department

eval@isdb.org