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Evaluation of Sida’s support to the Balkan Civil Society Development Network 2019-2022

Evaluation of Sida’s support to the Balkan Civil Society Development Network 2019-2022

Final Report

  • År: 2023

  • Publikationstyp: Decentraliserad utvärdering

  • Författare: Ardita Metaj, Jonas Lövkrona

Sammanfattning

The evaluation assessed the project ‘Protecting Civic Space – Regional Civil Society Development Hub’ implemented by the Balkan
Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN) in the Western Balkans. The project aimed to enhance cooperation and resilience of civil
society organizations (CSOs) through a regranting mechanism and monitoring of the enabling environment. The evaluation found that
the project was relevant to the regional context, aligned with global and regional partnerships, and addressed the needs and
priorities of grantees, demonstrated coherence by building on partnerships and complementing other regional funding mechanisms.
The project has achieved change at the outcome level, such as evidence-based advocacy and increased regional cooperation for civic
space. However, it has not significantly contributed to effective, transparent, and accountable CSOs. BCSDN should review its
strategic plan, consider grant types, and strengthen capacity development. Sida was recommended to continue supporting BCSDN
through long-term core funding, coordinate resources with other donors, and promote the Sida perspectives. Swedish embassies
were encouraged to engage with national BCSDN members.

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  • Tematik: Demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter

  • Geografiskt område: Albanien, Bosnien-Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Nordmakedonien, Serbien

  • Språk: Engelska

  • Publikationsnummer: 2023:10

Senaste inom samma tematik

Central Evaluation of Conflict Sensitivity in Sida’s Development and Humanitarian Cooperation

Tematik: Demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter Ekonomisk utveckling Fredliga samhällen Humanitärt bistånd Jämställdhet Miljö och klimat

Purpose and use

This evaluation examines how Sida integrates conflict sensitivity across its strategies and operations, with the purpose of strengthening learning and improving how Sida’s work affects peace and conflict dynamics.

Conclusion

It finds that conflict sensitivity is increasingly embedded in Sida’s portfolio but applied unevenly across contexts. Stronger results emerge where analysis is continuous, partner capacity is high, and adaptation is proactive. Weak monitoring systems and inconsistent feedback loops limit learning and the ability to track outcomes or anticipate risks.

Recommendation

The evaluation recommends establishing minimum standards for conflict sensitivity across all strategies, ensuring regular context updates, strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning systems with simple indicators, and proactively addressing recurring risks such as gender backlash, unequal targeting, and challenges linked to country exits.

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Annexes

Annex 1: Annex list
Annex 2: Country case studies

  • Publikationstyp:Central utvärdering
  • År: 2026
  • Geografiskt område:Global

Evaluation of “Expanding Space for Youth’s Political Participation” – GoFor

Tematik: Demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter

Purpose and use

Evaluation of the Expanding Space for Youth Political Participation” project in Türkiye implemented by Gençlik Örgütleri Forumu (GoFor) focused on progress made on the project’s four objectives to:
1) Strengthen youth organisations;
2) Expand youth participation in decision-making;
3) Increase cooperation & networking in the youth sector; and
4) Develop GoFor as an institution.

Conclusion

Despite operating in a rapidly shrinking civic space, GoFor has given its member organisations a voice and safe spaces to express themselves, strengthening their capacity and its own. These voices are being heard at local and national levels within Türkiye, and internationally in European fora and at UN bodies. These are impressive achievements sorely needed to build youth-inclusive democratic processes in Türkiye.

Recommendation

Due to domestic funding challenges for rights-based Turkish CSOs and the weak capacity of many youth organisations, GoFor fills a gap by advocating for youth rights and participation. Given GoFor’s positive track record, Sida and other donors should seriously consider providing core funding as a bridging option while GoFor builds alternative sources of funding.

  • Publikationstyp:Decentraliserad utvärdering
  • År: 2026
  • Geografiskt område:Europa