Global Lessons, African Voices: AfrEA President Closes High-Level OECD Learning Event

In a significant moment for African representation in global governance, AfrEA President Dr. Miché Ouédraogo delivered the closing remarks at the OECD COVID-19 Global Evaluation Coalition Learning Event last Friday.

This high-level hybrid gathering brought together influential leaders from the OECD, World Health Organization (WHO), other United Nations agencies, and partner countries. The objective was to critically reflect on the global evaluations of development co-operation and humanitarian responses to the COVID-19 crisis (2020–2022).

Championing African Leadership

Dr. Ouédraogo’s closing address was a powerful call to action, ensuring that African perspectives remain central to the post-pandemic development agenda. His remarks spotlighted several critical themes:

• African Leadership: He emphasized AfrEA’s commitment to seeing African institutions take the lead in evaluation and global health decision-making.
• Inclusive Cooperation: He highlighted the necessity of evidence-based cooperation that truly spans borders and sectors.
• Equity & Context: He argued for global responses that are not “one-size-fits-all,” but are shaped by local contexts, equity, and authentic African voices.

A Mandate for the Future

The event served as a reminder that while the crisis period of 2020–2022 has passed, the lessons must endure. By closing this major international forum, Dr. Ouédraogo reaffirmed AfrEA’s position on the global stage.

As the world prepares for future challenges, AfrEA continues to champion an evaluation culture that is anticipatory, adaptive, and accountable, ensuring that Africa helps design the global safety net of the future.