In the late afternoon of June 16, 2025, the International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED) and the Center for Evidence Based Social Science of Lanzhou University (CEBS) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic and research cooperation. The agreement, occurring as a culmination of a week-long engagement on international development and evaluation discussions, marks a significant step forward in fostering South-South collaboration between two leading institutions from Africa and Asia. The momentous occasion was witnessed by several CEBS members, along with long-time ICED partner and CEBS professor, Dr. Howard White, and Dr. Ashrita Saran, director of the Global Development Network's Evaluation and Evidence Synthesis program.
From June 8-14, 2025, Dr. David Sarfo Ameyaw, CEO and president of ICED, joined peer experts in research, monitoring and evaluation on the campus of Lanzhou University for the 2025 Summer Evaluation Bootcamp for Young and Emerging Evaluators (SEB). The bootcamp convened young researchers and seasoned experts at the International Evaluation Capacity Development Forum, which included training on practical evaluation skills and networking opportunities. Participants were able to engage in moments of learning and discussions, sharing insights and exchanging knowledge from their various corners of the world.
Dr. Ameyaw contributed to the SEB as a panelist on "The Evaluation Capacity Development for Young and Emerging Evaluators". He was joined by experts from various chapters of EvalYouth, including: Cheng Wang (China); Khaliunaa Batjargal (Asia/Mongolia); and Liping Guo (Asia). Other panelists included Qi Wang, a post-doctoral fellow from University of Hong Kong, and a representative from the SEB planning team.
Following the week-long forum and bootcamp, Dr. Ameyaw attended a special meeting with the Center for Evidence Based Social Science of Lanzhou University (LZU CEBS). The meeting, which would culminate in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), engaged members of the institution and partners. In his presentation to the convened participants, titled "Bridging the Evidence Gap: Advancing Policy and Practice through South-South Collaboration", Dr. Ameyaw presented on the disparities in social science research and the importance of collaboration among Global South institutions.
Following his presentation, Dr. Ameyaw, representing ICED, and Director Kehu Yang, representing CEBS, formally confirmed their dedication to collaboration for development in the Global South. As stated in the official document, the purpose of the MoU was to "further strengthen academic exchanges, talent training, and collaborative research between the two institutions, and to jointly promote the research, application, and dissemination of evaluation."
The agreement outlines three priority areas:
This new partnership embodies the principles of South-South cooperation, particularly peer-based, equitable collaboration rooted in shared development experiences. The eventful day concluded with smiles and photographs, supported by the cheerful anticipation that this newly minted 5-year cooperation will be another step toward a stronger Global South.
