Digitizing the public sector for better and more efficient evaluation systems

Moderator

• Vijayalakshmi Vadivelu, UNDP IEO, Chief of Corporate and Thematic Evaluations 

Panelists

• Aziza Umarova, Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President, Uzbekistan, Head of Delivery Unit 
• Fernando Barbosa, Inter-American Developent Bank, Senior Associate Economist 
• Futhi Mazibuko, Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation
• Gayan Peiris, UNDP Head of Data and Technology, Chief Digital Office / Executive Office
• Jiamin Xu, Institute of International Development Cooperation of Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, China, Research Assistant

Discussion Themes

• Sustainable digital transformation in public services requires collaboration between government, the private sector and communities. Building local capacity and engaging communities are essential for tailoring digital solutions to meet diverse needs, ensuring long-term adaptability and enhancing responsiveness to local challenges and feedback.
• Digital IDs, interoperable platforms, and the strategic use of open-source and proprietary technologies enhance efficiency and accessibility. Secure data governance and a balance between privacy and accessibility are critical to building trust and protecting users.
• Bridging the urban–rural digital divide, addressing access barriers across age and geography, and designing user-friendly systems for underserved communities are essential for reducing inequality and fostering inclusion. Governments need to prioritize secure, accessible and user-friendly digital tools to bridge gaps in service accessibility and support equitable digital inclusion across urban and rural areas.
• Governments must invest in developing skills for data analysis, technology implementation and system maintenance. Strategic policies that prioritize digital inclusion and long-term sustainability are vital for meaningful impact.
• Leveraging AI and big data for real-time monitoring and predictive analytics enhances decision-making, with ethical considerations being a critical element and remaining the priority.