Reflections

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Reflections

Lessons from evaluations

The Reflections series are short papers containing lessons from UNDP evaluations. Using rapid assessment methods, Reflections offer evidence-based advice to help us better understand what works and what doesn’t across UNDP’s work.

Reflections papers cover a broad range of topics in the frameworks of the Sustainable Development Goals and the UNDP Signature Solutions. From topics like health systems to governance and economic resilience, they offer lessons on how to adapt and innovate.

Would you like to see a Reflection on a topic that hasn’t been covered? Suggest topics for future papers here.

Reflections is providing the new evidence, data and understanding needed to design development support that can break our global uncertainty complex and drastically improve the health and well-being of both people and planet.

- Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator

Reflections

Publications

Expanding access to energy with renewable sources

Integrated approaches in health, climate and energy

Masculinities and engaging men for gender equality

Humanitarian-development-peace nexus approaches in conflict and disaster settings

Health system strengthening through the UNDP-Global Fund partnership

The Reflections series synthesizes lessons from past evaluations to support organizational learning about what works and what doesn't. This paper examines past evaluations to provide seven lessons…

SDG localization through local governance

The Reflections series synthesizes lessons from past evaluations to support organizational learning about what works and what doesn't. This paper examines past evaluations to provide five lessons on…

Reflections are also available in book form!

The two free books, published in 2021 and 2023, together contain 146 lessons learned from UNDP support, with case examples from around the world.

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Reflections: Learning from Past Crises for Recovering from COVID-19

PDF (1,664kb)

Download the book

Cover of a report titled "Reflections: Lessons from Evaluations," featuring a circular graphic and arrows.

Reflections: Learning from the Past for a Sustainable Future

PDF (4,311kb)

Download the book