John is an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation student, Western Michigan University, (WMU), a Graduate Research Assistant & an Evaluation café Co-organizer at The Evaluation Center, WMU. His research expertise includes evaluation systems, evaluation and pace of change, evaluation of technological systems and software, research on evaluation theories, methods, and practices, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method, outcome harvesting and meta-analysis.
He holds a MSc in Development Evaluation and Management Studies from Institute of Development Policy, University of Antwerp, Belgium, and a BSc in Economics from Central University, Ghana. He has served in and led many research studies and evaluations, funded by International Organization for Migration (IOM), Global Green grants Fund, EUTF-IOM Joint Initiative on Migration Protection and Reintegration, Fondation Botnar, Tearfund, German Development Co-operation (GIZ), non-profits and many other institutions across several substantive domains, including health and nutrition, education, science and technology, agriculture, environment, community empowerment and international development. He also served as Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, Team leader, evaluator, and methodologist for several research and evaluation grants and contracts.
John Akwetey
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation student | Evaluation Consultant Western Michigan University (WMU), & The Evaluation Center (EC), Kalamazoo, MichiganDear Emilia
Thank you for bringing up this discussion. That's an interesting thought! I have been reading the contributions with interest and I believe that moving beyond assessing progress towards the SDGs is crucial for achieving them by 2030. While tracking progress is important, it paints only a partial picture. Here are some potential areas in which I assist organizations and institutions in exploring beyond traditional assessments:
1. Deepen Understanding of Challenges and Gaps:
2. Facilitate Action and Implementation:
3. Promote Innovation and Collaboration:
4. Address Systemic Issues:
Let’s remember that achieving the SDGs requires a holistic approach that goes beyond just numbers. By understanding the challenges, fostering action, embracing innovation, and addressing systemic issues, we can move beyond mere assessment and create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
Do you have any specific areas or challenges within the SDGs that you'd like to explore further? I'm happy to assist in any way I can.
Best regards,
John
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John Akwetey (he/him/his)
Doctoral Graduate Associate, The Evaluation Center
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation (IDPE)
Western Michigan University
1903 W. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5237
+ 1 (269) 210-9349
Editorial Board Member, American Journal of Evaluation (AJE)