News Release

CDB's OIE and CEI to Host Regional Webinar for Global Youth in Evaluation Forum 2026

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EVALYOUTH CARD

On 21 May 2026, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Office of Independent Evaluation (OIE) and Caribbean Evaluators International (CEI) will co-host a three-part webinar event to bring the global conversation on youth leadership in evaluation to the Caribbean.

This event is part of the Youth in Evaluation Forum 2026 (19-21 May 2026), a global digital convening led by the Eval4Action campaign. The Forum ensures youth voices actively shape the future of evaluation.

Running from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Atlantic Time, the webinar will convene students, young and emerging evaluators (YEEs), experienced practitioners, and organizations from across the Caribbean for a rich programme of intergenerational exchange, peer dialogue, and collective action. Key topics include:

  • Presentation of youth-led contributions to evaluation practice at the CDB

  • Mentorship needs and career development in M&E

  • Institutional pathways for meaningful YEE engagement

“The OIE is committed to building M&E capacity and strengthening evaluation partnerships across the Caribbean.” Mr. Roberto La Rovere, Head of CDB’s OIE explained. “Through this event, we aim to spotlight the talent, perspectives and needs of students and young evaluators while creating tangible pathways for their growth and inclusion in the profession. Together with Caribbean Evaluators International, both signatories to the EvalYouth Manifesto, we are proud to translate global commitments into Caribbean action.”

This webinar builds on the Forum’s global launch on 19 May, which will bring together emerging evaluators and senior leaders to establish a shared vision for young people’s role in shaping the future of evaluation. The global inauguration will also feature the official announcement of the 2026 Youth in Evaluation Champions.

You are welcome to register for all three sessions or join those that are of most interest to you via the registration links below:

Session 1 (10:00–11:00 am) - YEE Contributions to CDB’s Youth Policy Evaluation

Hear firsthand from two young evaluators who contributed to CDB’s landmark Evaluation of the Youth Policy and Operational Strategy - the first time OIE formally involved YEEs in its work. Thania de la Garza (OIE, CDB) will present the evaluation’s purpose and approach, highlighting how it applied some of the EvalYouth minimum standards. Derniel O’Connor IMEL consultant, Jamaica) and Juliany Minyty Mendez (MEL and Political Science professional) will then share their experiences: the roles they played, insights gained, and recommendations for making YEE involvement even more meaningful going forward. This session is a candid window into what youth participation in high-level evaluation can look like in practice.

Click here to register for Session 1

Session 2 (11:00 am–12:00 pm) - M&E Mentorship in the Caribbean

What does mentorship mean for young evaluators in the Caribbean - and what’s missing? This interactive session features a structured dialogue exploring mentorship needs, lived experiences, and ideas for designing a Caribbean-specific mentorship programme. Drawing on a pre-event survey that captures data on career challenges, skills gaps, and mentorship preferences across the region, participants will co-create proposals for what a programme could look like — from one-on-one pairings to peer networks and group formats. More seasoned professionals will also have the chance to express interest in becoming mentors. A virtual group photo and a call to action will close the session.

Click here to register for Session 2 

Session 3 (12:00–1:00 pm) - Closing the Gap: Reimagining YEE Participation in Caribbean Evaluation Practice

A panel discussion with senior evaluation leaders exploring how organizations can better engage, support, and advocate for young evaluators. Drawing on the EvalYouth Standards as a framework, panellists will share examples of successful YEE inclusion, discuss organisational challenges, and propose practical mechanisms for change. Joining us are:

  • Katherine Liakos, Evaluation Officer, Office of Independent Evaluation, Caribbean Development Bank

  • Valerie Gordon, President/Chair, Caribbean Evaluators International (CEI)

  • Dr. Dacia Leslie, Senior Research Fellow and M&E Programme Coordinator, Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), University of the West Indies, Mona Campus

Discussion themes will span leadership and accountability, evaluation practice, advocacy, knowledge management, human resources, and financial resources for YEE engagement - all grounded in the EvalYouth Standards.

Click here to register for Session 3 

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