At a time marked by growing geopolitical instability, war, and increasing pressure on international cooperation, the Independent Evaluation Department of Norwegian Development Cooperation (Eval) is launching its evaluation programme for 2026–2027.

The programme aims to generate knowledge that strengthens learning, accountability, and the basis for decision-making in Norwegian development cooperation.

– We are facing a situation where the room for manoeuvre is narrowing, while the consequences of poor prioritisation are becoming more severe. In such a context, systematic knowledge about what actually works is absolutely essential,” says Director of Evaluation Henrik Nordal.

Evaluations of priority areas

The programme will be launched on 29 January 2026 in Førde and outlines the evaluations and knowledge studies to be prioritised in the coming years. Among the topics to be evaluated are Norwegian civilian support to Ukraine and Moldova through the Nansen Programme, and Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative—two areas that Norway has prioritised highly and where the need for knowledge is substantial.

Follow the launch online here.

NB: The launch will be in Norwegian only.

In addition, the programme includes evaluations of several key areas of engagement, including:

  • Human Rights and Civil Society in a Shrinking Democratic Space
  • Norway’s Support to Women in Peace and Security
  • Norway and the Multilateral System: The UN Funding Compact
  • Post-War Recovery and Peace Consolidation
  • Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian and Development Contexts
  • Locally Led Development in Norwegian Development Cooperation
  • Norway’s Development Cooperation in Higher Education and Research Norway’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Portfolio
  • The Utilisation of Satellite Data in Evaluations

More learning and stronger accountability

According to Nordal, the evaluation programme has been developed to respond to concrete knowledge needs among political authorities, public administration, and partners—in a world where the operating environment is changing rapidly.

– Evaluation is not only about looking back, but about providing relevant insight for future decisions. The objective is to contribute to more learning, better results, and stronger accountability in Norwegian development cooperation, he says.

The launch event will open with a presentation of the main features of the programme, followed by a panel discussion on the role of evaluation in addressing today’s global challenges. The panel participants are:

  • Henrik Nordal, Director of Evaluation, Eval
  • Elling Tjønneland, Political Scientist and Senior Researcher, Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI)
  • Tine Mørch Smith, Director General, Department for Global Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Evaluation Programme for 2026–2027 has been developed through professional analyses and input from stakeholders in public administration, civil society, academia, and international partners. The programme will serve as a key tool for knowledge-based development policy in the years ahead.