Evaluation

children wearing UNICEF T-shirts run toward the entrance to the Olympic Stadium in Rome to attend the Vatican’s first children’s day.

Who we are

Evaluation at UNICEF works across headquarters, regional and country offices, and with partners around the world to generate independent evidence that strengthens decision-making and improves results for children.

Guided by the UNICEF Evaluation Policy, this work is carried out by the independent Evaluation Office and colleagues responsible for evaluation across headquarters, regional and country offices, in collaboration with partners worldwide.

All UNICEF evaluation reports are publicly available, reinforcing transparency and contributing to the global evidence base.

What we do

UNICEF conducts a diverse portfolio of evaluations to understand what works, for whom, under what circumstances and why. Evaluations examine results and the factors that shape them. Their findings, lessons and recommendations help improve policies, programmes and organizational performance.

Within UNICEF, the evaluation function strengthens evaluation capacity and promotes learning across the organization. It also works with governments and partners to strengthen national evaluation systems and promote the use of evidence in child-focused policies and programmes.

In collaboration with partners across the United Nations system and beyond, UNICEF contributes to joint evaluations, evidence syntheses and methodological innovation. This work strengthens evaluation practice and helps address shared global challenges.

Featured stories and voices

What makes an evaluation effective?

Francesco Iacoella explains why effective evaluations don't stop at findings – they drive lasting policy change and improve outcomes for communities.

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Evaluation in action: Strengthening justice for children

How UNICEF is using evaluation evidence to inform decisions and advance more effective justice systems for children

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Stories inspire, but evidence transforms

In our work, few words are as powerful and as overused as “impact.” We should celebrate our achievements and recognize when additional evidence is needed.

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What Is an evaluation synthesis? A simple explanation

An Evaluation Synthesis offers a fast snapshot of years of UNICEF evidence—revealing trends, lessons, and what works to support smarter, faster decisions.

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Social media highlights

Happening now! #UNICEF Interim Director of #Evaluation Mark Hereward joins WFP's Anne-Claire Luzot, UNHCR's Lori Bell & Anton Leis Garcia, & Nobel laureate Prof. Abhijit Banerjee to discuss partnerships for evidence generation at the #IEForum2026 🔗 bit.ly/4xTERv4 👈 #Evidence4Action

UNICEF Evaluation (@unicef-evaluation.bsky.social) 2026-09-15T15:49:29.179Z