Parallel Session 12: Environmental evaluation for resilient and inclusive growth

This panel session will explore how environmental evaluations contribute to development outcomes through case studies and methodological innovation showcasing evaluation from the evaluation units of the GCF and the GEF. It will present findings from GCF-IEU’s cluster evaluations on health, food, and water security, highlighting how climate interventions across natural systems are assessed and the challenges of measuring results in integrated, locally grounded programs. From the GEF-IEO, the session will share evidence on Nature-based Solutions (NbS), chemicals and waste management, and technological innovation. NbS case studies will show how investments in ecological infrastructure—such as urban forests, mangrove restoration, and watershed management—enhance climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, and support livelihoods. Evaluations in the chemicals and waste sector will examine how regulatory reforms, circular economy initiatives, and private sector engagement improve health and environmental outcomes. Finally, insights from the evaluation of technological innovation will show how machine learning can support the sustainability of novel interventions and identify enabling conditions for success. Participants will gain practical insights into integrating environmental considerations into development and infrastructure planning, improving project design, and informing policy. The session will emphasize how environmental evaluations can support low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive development trajectories. Moderator: Garrett Kilroy, ADB. Session Coordinator: Beth Li.