As part of Youth in Evaluation week’s worldwide events, on the 25th of April, Agulhas will host a discussion online and in London on ‘Power and meaningful inclusion of youth in international policy evaluation’ alongside representatives from REDI Collective and Our Generation for Inclusive Peace. Panellists will discuss the importance of youth inclusion when evaluating global policies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The panel conversation will invite wider audience participation to interrogate and examine how entrenched power dynamics may block meaningful youth inclusion in evaluation, and what can and is being done to embed and promote youth voices in evaluations on international development and climate action policy.
Inclusion of all kinds is incredibly important in the international development sector, and to Agulhas as an organisation. Our desire to embrace equity in all that we do comes not only from the desire to do what is right, but an acknowledgement that inclusion in evaluation and learning work, in all its forms, leads to more insightful and actionable recommendations and more transformative and sustainable change. When it comes to inclusion in international policy to tackle global challenges, ‘youth’ is a demographic that is often excluded. As 2023 marks the halfway point in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is important to reflect on the role of young people in the ambitious international policies aimed at reducing inequality, tackling climate change and ending poverty and hunger. In the context of evaluations, we believe that youth voices and expertise are vital both within evaluation teams and in sampling groups.
Through a discussion on the practical tools, techniques and methodological considerations available for organisations and individuals to advocate for the inclusion of young people’s voices, the event and the wider Youth in Evaluation initiative aims to support and encourage more impactful outcomes through youth inclusion.
Topics discussed will include definitions of youth and diversity within the youth demographic, discriminatory policies that block young people’s involvement in international policy agendas, and how evaluation and research work is taught and learned. A key theme will be how a lack of inclusion of youth voices leads to missed opportunities, where young people, often at the forefront of global changes and challenges, could provide vital insight and skills to address our most pressing problems.
The event will be held at 2pm BST on 25th April and you can join us via Zoom. Register for the event below:
Please note that in-person attendance registration is now closed – but please join us online!
You can also read more about the Youth in Evaluation week initiative, attend other events and sign the manifesto to promote meaningful youth engagement in evaluation.
