IEU publications
IEU publications
To serve the needs of our stakeholders, the IEU issues a variety of publications related to our work, including in the context of evaluations and learning. Keep up with the IEU’s latest publications here.
Featured publications
Final Report of the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Approach to Indigenous Peoples
This report presents the findings and recommendations of an independent evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) approach to Indigenous Peoples (IPs), undertaken by the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU).
Final Report of the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Result Area “Health and Wellbeing, and Food and Water Security” (HWFW)
In 2024, the IEU undertook the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Result Area “Health and Wellbeing, and Food and Water Security” (HWFW) in line with its Board-approved 2024 work plan.This evaluation was launched in March 2024.
Impact Insights: Can Forest Conservation Work While Building Stronger Livelihoods?
June 2025
This Impact Insights brief presents emerging findings from the six-year impact evaluation of GCF’s FP026 project in Madagascar. Conducted under the IEU’s LORTA programme, the study explores how forest conservation efforts can align with improved livelihoods and resilience. The brief highlights reductions in deforestation, income gains from climate-resilient crops, and the importance of sustained support systems, especially for female-headed households.
Approach Brief: Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s Simplified Approval Process
June 2025
This brief summarizes the approach paper for the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Simplified Approval Process (SAP) modality. It outlines the evaluation’s context, purpose, objectives, scope, methodology, and timeline.
Approach Brief: Independent evaluation of the GCF’s approach to and Portfolio of Climate Information and Early Warning System Interventions
June 2025
This brief summarizes the approach for the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Approach to and Portfolio of Climate Information and Early Warning System (CIEWS) Interventions. It outlines the evaluation’s context, objectives, scope, methodology, timeline, and deliverables.
Gender Synthesis: Approach
June 2025
This paper presents the proposed approach for conducting a Synthesis of the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) Gender Approach. Informed by initial stakeholder consultations and a review of key documents, the paper outlines the objectives, scope, and methodology for assessing how gender considerations are integrated into GCF’s operations and projects. It also provides a roadmap of planned activities, deliverables, and timelines for the Gender Synthesis, which aims to inform future improvements in...
Scoping Review: What do we know about the evidence base for the SDG Planet Pillar?
June 2025
This scoping review, commissioned by the Global SDG Synthesis Coalition, systematically assesses available evidence from systematic reviews and United Nations evaluation reports related to the Planet Pillar of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It identifies the strength and distribution of evidence across intervention types and SDG target areas, including WASH, sustainable forest management, climate change resilience, and more. The review aims to inform the development of future living...
COA2025: Approach paper for the Independent Evaluation of the GCF's Approach to Country Ownership
May 2025
This approach paper outlines the plan for the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Country Ownership Approach. Approved by the GCF Board at its 40th meeting, the evaluation will assess how effectively the Fund’s country ownership approach has been operationalized and will provide timely evidence to inform an update to the country ownership guidelines in 2025. It details the evaluation’s background, scope, questions, methodology, and timeline.
COA2025: Approach Brief
May 2025
Country ownership is central to the GCF’s efforts to promote low-emission and climate-resilient development. This evaluation will support learning and accountability on how the GCF promotes country ownership in its operations. This 2-page approach brief outlines the context, purpose, scope, evaluation questions, timeline, and methods for the Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Country Ownership Approach (COA2025). The evaluation will inform the planned update of the GCF’s Guidelines for...
Scoping Study on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Climate Change Evaluations
April 2025
Commissioned by the evaluation units of the Adaptation Fund, CIF, GEF, and GCF, this 2025 study explores the potential of AI to enhance the quality, efficiency, and impact of climate change evaluations. It examines current applications, risks, and future opportunities of AI across all stages of the evaluation process. Through a literature review, interviews, and a global survey, the study provides practical insights and recommendations to guide evaluation stakeholders in responsibly integrating...
Approach Paper: Independent Evaluation of the GCF’s Simplified Approval Process (SAP2025)
February 2025
The Simplified Approval Process (SAP), adopted by the GCF Board in 2017 (B.18) and updated in 2022 (B.32), aims to streamline funding access for small-scale climate projects, enhancing efficiency in approval and disbursement. Building on the IEU’s 2020 assessment of the SAP Pilot Scheme, this 2025 evaluation examines how effectively the updated SAP delivers simplified access and meets developing countries' needs. This approach paper outlines the evaluation’s methodology, key questions, timeline...
Impact evaluation baseline report for FP034: Building resilient communities, wetlands ecosystems and associated catchments in Uganda
February 2025
This baseline report evaluates FP034, a wetland restoration and community resilience project in Uganda, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Assessed under the Learning-Oriented Real-Time Impact Assessment (LORTA) Programme, the study uses a difference-in-differences design with matching to measure project impact. Data was collected from 1,666 households across treatment and comparison wetland systems in eastern and southwestern Uganda, alongside flora and fauna...
Infographic (PPWW2024)
February 2025
This infographic presents key findings and recommendations from the Independent Evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s Approach to and Protection of Whistleblowers and Witnesses (PPWW2024). It highlights insights from surveys, interviews, and stakeholder consultations on the effectiveness, awareness, and implementation of the GCF’s whistleblower protection policy.
Country case study: Tajikistan (HWFW2024)
February 2025
This case study was undertaken as part of the independent evaluation of the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) Result Area (RA) “Health and Wellbeing, and Food and Water Security” (HWFW). The evaluation was launched in April 2024 by the GCF Independent Evaluation Unit, with the objectives of reporting on the GCF’s HWFW results and progress towards targets, while also shedding light on why results have been achieved or not, and how the GCF’s interventions can be improved.