​In the face of cost estimates for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals that far exceed the global aid budget, leveraging private investment has become a mantra for aid agencies around the world. Consequently, aid budgets are increasingly directed towards participating in private sector projects. But with increased spending comes increased scrutiny and – potentially – political exposure. The purpose of this event is to bring together those who invest public money, those who receive investments, and those whose job it is to ensure that public money is being well spent, to debate pragmatic approaches to impact evaluation in this context.

How can those who hold the public purse strings ensure that public money directed towards leveraging the private sector in developing countries is spent well? How can public oversight of donors’ investment activities strike the right balance between realism and high standards of accountability?

The event will consist of two sessions – in the first session we will hear from those who invest public money in private projects, and the firms that receive such investments; the second will discuss oversight and evaluation in the light of the first session.

If you have any questions about this event, please email [email protected]

The event will be followed by a networking lunch.