Monitoring and Evaluation: The Need for Standardised Principles

This research paper argues for the creation of standardised principles for South-South Cooperation (SSC) to move beyond the lack of a universal definition and to establish a proactive, strategic approach to international and regional cooperation that differs from North-South relations.

• The absence of a universal definition and monitoring and evaluation framework for South-South Cooperation (SSC) stems from diverse contexts, stakeholders, and a reluctance to use Official Development Assistance (ODA) metrics. Some nations argue that monetising contributions underestimates their value because costs for personnel and goods are lower in the South than in developed countries.
• South-South Cooperation is intended to challenge the global status quo to promote inclusive development and self-reliance, contrasting with the 'destructive and exploitative' history of North-South relations and the 'reactionary responses' of northern countries.
• The author proposes that the South establish standardised principles for SSC to create a consistent culture and expectation for partnerships. This strategic approach is intended to increase commitment to good governance and inclusive development while changing the legacy of international cooperation.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (2019). Monitoring and Evaluation: The Need for Standardised Principles. https://saiia.org.za/research/monitoring-and-evaluation-the-need-for-standardised-principles/

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. Monitoring and Evaluation: The Need for Standardised Principles. 2019. https://saiia.org.za/research/monitoring-and-evaluation-the-need-for-standardised-principles/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=Monitoring and Evaluation: The Need for Standardised Principles |date=25 April 2019 |url=https://saiia.org.za/research/monitoring-and-evaluation-the-need-for-standardised-principles/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairs2019monitoring, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{Monitoring and Evaluation: The Need for Standardised Principles}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2019}, month = apr, url = {https://saiia.org.za/research/monitoring-and-evaluation-the-need-for-standardised-principles/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }