Prioritize evidence in aid spending — time for ‘Fakta har makta’
It is time to apply this Norwegian saying: “Facts have power” — so let them speak for aid effectiveness and drive global development efforts
Prioritize evidence in aid spending — time for ‘Fakta har makta
’It is time to apply this Norwegian saying: “Facts have power” — so let them speak for aid effectiveness and drive global development efforts,
The world is facing escalating global warming, increasingly deadly conflicts, and a significant shortfall in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The most obvious solution is to optimize the impact of development spending. This can be done by prioritizing effective, scalable, and transformative programs. In essence, we need to base our decisions on evidence.
The Norwegian saying, “Fakta har makta,” meaning “Facts have the power,” encapsulates this crucial need in international development today.
This year marks the 20th anniversary which put results, alongside the other criteria, front and center, making it a timely moment for reflection. Evidence on what works must guide spending and implementation. Yet we believe that despite calls for more evidence-based policymaking, there has been no fundamental shift in how development agencies operate and prioritize. The focus remains on spending rather than on achieving results.
