Are you looking to build practical skills in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), impact assessment, evidence-based policymaking, and sustainable development? The UN SDG:Learn Evaluation for Sustainable Development Learning Pathway offers a unique opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading development organizations—completely free of charge.

Designed to strengthen evaluation capacity among professionals, students, researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners, this comprehensive online learning pathway brings together expert-developed resources from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the World Bank Group, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The pathway equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to evaluate programmes, measure development impact, understand systems change, and make informed decisions that contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Since the programme is entirely online and self-paced, learners from anywhere in the world can study at their own convenience while gaining valuable skills that are increasingly sought after by governments, NGOs, international organizations, and research institutions.

About the Evaluation for Sustainable Development Learning Pathway

The Evaluation for Sustainable Development Learning Pathway is available through UN SDG:Learn, the United Nations online learning platform dedicated to supporting education and capacity development around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This pathway introduces learners to the essential principles of evaluation before progressing to advanced impact evaluation methods and systems thinking. By completing the pathway, participants will understand how evaluation contributes to stronger public policies, improved programmes, organizational learning, and sustainable development outcomes.

The learning pathway is structured into three comprehensive modules, each delivered by internationally recognized organizations with expertise in evaluation and development.

Module 1: Foundations of Evaluation

Evaluation Training e-Learning

Provider: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

The first module introduces learners to the fundamental concepts and principles of evaluation. Developed by the UNIDO Office of Evaluation and Internal Oversight, this introductory course was created to strengthen evaluation knowledge across the organization while helping professionals understand how quality evaluations are designed, managed, and implemented.

Participants will gain practical knowledge of international evaluation standards, evaluation criteria, planning processes, management responsibilities, and the complete evaluation lifecycle. The course combines readings with interactive exercises that encourage learners to apply evaluation concepts to real-world situations.

Course Highlights

• Self-paced online learning
• Introductory level
• Approximately 3 hours to complete
• Available in English
• Free of charge
• No certificate

What You Will Learn

Participants will learn to:

• Understand different types of evaluations
• Distinguish evaluation from monitoring
• Apply international evaluation norms and standards
• Understand the six major evaluation criteria
• Learn evaluation methods and data analysis techniques
• Plan, commission, and manage evaluations effectively
• Understand stakeholder responsibilities throughout the evaluation process

Access the course here:
https://lnkd.in/gkKZaDqT

Module 2: Impact Evaluation Methods

Evaluating Impact in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Provider: World Bank Group

The second module focuses on one of the most important areas of development practice—impact evaluation.

Developed collaboratively by Georgetown University and the World Bank’s Strategic Impact Evaluation Fund, this comprehensive course teaches learners how to determine whether development policies and programmes are actually producing measurable results.

Participants explore the scientific and statistical tools used in rigorous programme evaluation, including experimental research methods, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), regression analysis, and quasi-experimental techniques.

The course also addresses practical evaluation challenges, such as determining appropriate sample sizes, handling missing data, and interpreting statistical findings for evidence-based decision-making.

Course Highlights

• Self-paced online learning
• Hosted on edX
• Introductory level
• 24-week course
• 3–5 hours of study per week
• Free enrollment
• Certificate available upon completion
• Available in English

What You Will Learn

By completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Define impact evaluation
• Understand causal attribution
• Apply randomized controlled trials
• Interpret regression analysis
• Use statistical tools in programme evaluation
• Determine appropriate sample sizes
• Apply quasi-experimental evaluation methods
• Analyze programme effectiveness using evidence

Access the course here:
https://lnkd.in/gSdQSiNA

Module 3: Evaluating Systems Change

What is ‘Good’ Systems Change and How Do We Measure It?

Provider: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The final module introduces learners to one of the most complex topics in evaluation—systems change.

As development challenges become increasingly interconnected, traditional evaluation methods alone are often insufficient. This UNDP microlearning resource explores how evaluators can assess long-term transformation across systems rather than focusing only on individual projects.

The learning resource discusses three important questions:

• What is the difference between measuring change and evaluating change?
• How do we identify what truly matters when evaluating development outcomes?
• Who determines what successful systems change actually looks like?

Participants gain valuable insights into modern evaluation approaches that support sustainable, long-term development while strengthening learning and evidence-based policymaking.

Resource Highlights

• Online microlearning resource
• Blog format
• Available in English
• Free access

Topics Covered

• Systems thinking
• Systems change evaluation
• Reflective practice
• Evaluation design
• Evaluation methodologies
• Sustainable development assessment
• Policy integration
• Learning for evaluation

Access the resource here:

https://lnkd.in/gt6at4as

What Skills Will You Gain?

By completing the Evaluation for Sustainable Development Learning Pathway, participants will develop valuable competencies in:

• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
• Evaluation management
• Impact evaluation
• Evidence-based policymaking
• Programme assessment
• Data analysis
• Quantitative evaluation methods
• Systems thinking
• Systems change
• Organizational learning
• Sustainable development evaluation

These skills are highly valuable across government institutions, international organizations, NGOs, research organizations, universities, consulting firms, and the private sector.

Benefits of the Learning Pathway

Participants will enjoy numerous benefits, including:

• Free access to world-class learning materials
• Flexible self-paced online study
• Learning from internationally recognized organizations
• Practical knowledge applicable to real-world development programmes
• Improved monitoring and evaluation skills
• Better understanding of impact measurement
• Enhanced analytical and decision-making abilities
• Certificate available for the World Bank course
• Career development opportunities in international development and public policy

Who Should Apply?

This learning pathway is suitable for:

• University students
• Graduate students
• Researchers
• Government officials
• Development practitioners
• Monitoring and Evaluation specialists
• NGO professionals
• Consultants
• Policy analysts
• Programme managers
• Academics
• Anyone interested in sustainable development and evaluation

No prior evaluation experience is required, making it suitable for beginners as well as professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise.

APPLY HERE

Learning Format

The programme is delivered entirely online and can be completed from anywhere in the world.

Participants can:

• Learn at their own pace
• Access course materials anytime
• Study using a computer or internet-enabled device
• Complete modules independently

Deadline

No application or enrollment deadline has been announced.

Interested learners can enroll and begin studying at any time while the learning pathway remains available

Visit HERE to learn more about the Free UN SDG:Learn Evaluation for Sustainable Development Learning Pathway 2026

Conclusion

The UN SDG:Learn Evaluation for Sustainable Development Learning Pathway offers an outstanding opportunity to build practical and globally relevant skills in evaluation, impact assessment, and systems thinking. Through three expertly designed learning resources from UNIDO, the World Bank Group, and UNDP, participants gain the knowledge needed to evaluate programmes, measure impact, and support evidence-based decision-making that advances the Sustainable Development Goals.

Whether you are launching your career, advancing your professional skills, or expanding your expertise in monitoring and evaluation, this free learning pathway provides high-quality training from internationally respected institutions without any tuition cost.

For more international scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, grants, conferences, and free learning opportunities, visit Opportunities for Youth (OFY) at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org