1. The revised policy of UNDP for evaluation was approved in 2011. The purpose of the policy is to establish a common institutional basis for the UNDP evaluation function. The policy seeks to increase transparency, coherence and efficiency in generating and using evaluative knowledge for organizational learning and effective management for results, and to support accountability. The policy also applies to UNDP and its associated funds and programmes – the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. The policy will be subject to periodic independent review.
2. The policy responds to resolution 59/250 of 2004, in which the General Assembly required the systematic evaluation of United Nations system operational activities by assessing their impact on poverty eradication, economic growth and sustainable development of programme countries. It further mandates the United Nations system to promote national ownership and capacity development and to make system-wide progress in collaboration in evaluation. The policy draws from and is aligned with the norms and standards for evaluation in the United Nations system approved by the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) in April 2005.
3. UNDP subscribes to the overarching United Nations goal of reducing extreme poverty and hunger by half by 2015. It supports the efforts of partner countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other development results primarily through its role as a global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build better lives. While emphasizing national ownership and capacity development, UNDP helps countries develop and share solutions to challenges in key strategic development areas. As resident coordinator of United Nations operational activities at the country level, UNDP promotes effective coordination of United Nations