After seven productive years, CEval’s collaboration with the University of Bern and the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the World Bank on the International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) has come to a close. Over these years, CEval has played a pivotal role in shaping and delivering IPDET, and 2024 events marked a successful conclusion to this partnership. As CEval reflects on this journey, it is clear that this collaboration has made significant strides in advancing evaluation capacity and practice on a global scale.
A Remarkable Year for IPDET
This year, IPDET’s On-Site program took place from July 15 to 26 at the University of Bern, marking the 24th anniversary of the program and the fifth On-Site program hosted in Switzerland. IPDET On-Site 2024 began with an inspiring keynote speech by Prof. Reinhard Stockmann, Director of the Center for Evaluation and founder of CEval GmbH, titled “The Contribution of Evaluation to Create a Better World.” His message that “Evaluation does not survive as an island” resonated deeply with participants, setting the stage for an engaging learning experience. A total of 166 participants from 71 countries gathered in Bern.
The first week offered a comprehensive core course taught by an esteemed team including, Prof. Stockmann, Prof. Wolfgang Meyer from CEval, IPDET Head of Program Dr. Stefanie Krapp, and Dr. Candice Morkel, Director of CLEAR-AA. Together, they guided participants through theoretical and practical foundations in evaluation.
Prof. Reinhard Stockmann gave an opening speech for IPDET On-Site 2024.
Core Course instructors, from the left, Prof. Dr. Reinhard Stockmann, Dr. Candice Morkel, Dr. Stefanie Krapp, and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Meyer.
During the workshop week, the CEO of CEval GmbH, Dr. Stefan Silvestrini, led a hands-on session on “Quantitative Data Collection: Planning and Implementing Surveys”, providing participants with essential skills in quantitative research methods. Another notable workshop, “Developing Monitoring and Evaluation Systems in Organizations,” was co-facilitated by Prof. Stockmann and Prof. Meyer, who helped participants from NGOs, multilateral development organizations, government bodies, and UN agencies to learn how to build effective M&E systems. The positive feedback was telling, with 94% and 96% of participants strongly or considerably satisfied with the workshops, respectively.
Dr. Stefan Silvestrini shared his decades of front-line experience in his workshop “Quantitative Data Collection: Planning and Implementing Surveys.”
Prof. Stockmann and Prof. Meyer’s workshop “Developing Monitoring and Evaluation Systems in Organizations” prepared participants for institutionalizing evaluation.
Beyond formal training, IPDET’s 2024 program fostered rich dialogue. Prof. Stockmann led a Fishbowl Discussion on the “Driving and Hindering Forces for the Institutionalization of Evaluation,” sparking insightful conversations among participants.
In addition to on-site learning, IPDET expanded its outreach through various events. In September, Prof. Meyer conducted an online workshop on “Indicator Development,” with ten participants from eight different countries attending. Later, from October 3 to 7, Prof. Stockmann and Dr. Krapp delivered an intensive four-day training on “Fundamentals of Evaluation” for the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah, tailored to build evaluation capacities among bank staff.
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
CEval’s partnership with IPDET began in 2018, forming a collaboration with the University of Bern’s Center for Continuing Education (ZUW) and the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the World Bank. Since 2021, IPDET has been a key implementing partner of the Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI). As IPDET moves forward under ZUW’s sole leadership, starting in 2025, CEval takes pride in the contributions made to IPDET’s innovative approach and foundational curriculum.
One of CEval’s first major contributions to IPDET was developing a comprehensive concept paper on “The Evaluation Capacity Development Approach of IPDET,” which became the blueprint for a revamped, highly effective program structure. CEval’s experts have consistently enhanced the core course curriculum, bringing deep expertise and professional insight to both foundational and advanced workshops. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CEval helped IPDET transition to virtual formats, launching the program’s first Evaluation Hackathon and expanding IPDET’s reach to participants around the world.
Throughout the partnership, Prof. Stockmann and Dr. Silvestrini served on the IPDET Steering Group, playing crucial roles in program strategy and quality assurance. Meanwhile, CEval’s broader team supported essential functions, from participant registration to communication efforts, to ensure smooth program operations and a positive experience for all involved.
Throughout the partnership, Prof. Stockmann and Dr. Silvestrini served on the IPDET Steering Group. CEval’s broader team this year, Dzoara Santoyo, Hilde Folger, and Clara Law (from the left to right in picture three), supported essential functions, from participant registration to communication efforts.
Gratitude and Farewell to the IPDET Community
As this phase of partnership concludes, IPDET Head of Program Dr. Stefanie Krapp reflects on the collaboration:
“Deep appreciation goes to the whole CEval team for the successful cooperation, their enthusiasm and commitment, and their valuable contributions to the professionalization of evaluation: Prof. Dr. Reinhard Stockmann, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Meyer, Dr. Stefan Silvestrini, Laszlo Szentmarjay, Dzoara Santoyo, Clara Law, Hilde Folger, and Vanessa Krieger.”
Prof. Stockmann extended his thanks to IPDET participants and the community, stating:
“After seven years of collaboration, CEval is proud to have contributed to the development of a curriculum that has reached and empowered a diverse global audience. We are grateful to have helped so many people enhance their evaluation skills, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all IPDET participants for their trust and support throughout this journey. We are excited to see the impact you will continue to make. While we at CEval dedicate ourselves to new challenges, we are curious to see how IPDET will evolve and what further opportunities for collaboration will arise in the future.”
CEval’s partnership with IPDET has been a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. As IPDET embarks on a new chapter, CEval celebrates the achievements, connections, and meaningful contributions made to this global evaluation community.
IPDET Head of Program Dr. Stefanie Krapp thanks CEval’s contribution to the program.
Prof. Stockmann encouraged participants to continue to make an impact through evaluation at the IPDET On-Site graduation.
Read the IPDET 2024 Evaluation Report here.
Photo: IPDET/Alexander Egger
