Measuring What Matters: Evidence, Impact, and Systems Change
Despite decades of investment in monitoring and evaluation, too much evidence still sits in reports instead of shaping decisions. As funders, governments, and communities grapple with climate, education, and equity challenges, the question isn’t just how to collect data — it’s how to measure what truly matters and use that evidence to drive policy, funding, and systemic change in real time.
This session will explore how impact measurement frameworks can evolve to capture livelihoods, education, and just transition strategies; how AI and digital tools are reshaping knowledge use; and how trust-based approaches can ensure measurement is collaborative, equitable, and actionable. Together, we’ll ask: how do we move from counting activities to valuing real systems change?
Speakers
Adam Barton — Research Director at Prevail Fund, leading research to connect givers and doers and scale bold social change in education, health, and climate.
Satyam Vyas — Founder & CEO of Climate Asia and Arthan, driving climate resilience, gender equity, and talent development across South and Southeast Asia.
Dennis West — Chair of Greenings and Researcher at Oxford Net Zero, advancing cross-sector collaboration and leading the Transition Valuation Project.
Mara Puacz — Head of Impact at Tech To The Rescue and host of the #NONLINEAR podcast on reinvention in the age of AI.
What to Expect
Shift from outputs to systems – Explore frameworks that capture long-term, systemic change, not just short-term results.
Evidence into policy – Discuss how research and evaluation can directly shape government adoption and funder priorities.
Collaborate for impact – Highlight how funders, intermediaries, and CSOs can align measurement approaches to reduce duplication and maximize equity.
Leverage technology – Consider how AI and digital platforms can accelerate evidence use while guarding against bias.
Balance rigor and relevance – Reflect on how to make trade-offs between randomized trials, real-time data, and community-driven insights.
Why Join?
Reframe measurement as a tool for justice, equity, and systemic change.
Learn from examples where evidence has successfully shifted policy and scaled solutions.
Share your own experiences in making impact frameworks more meaningful and actionable.
Walk away with practical principles for funders, governments, and practitioners to measure what matters.
Who Should Attend?
Funders and policymakers seeking to align impact and accountability.
Researchers and practitioners advancing evidence-based programs.
CSOs and community leaders demanding equity in measurement.
Anyone committed to turning evidence into action for sustainable systems change.