SAMEA Recognised as Youth in Evaluation Super Champion at Global Summit

We are thrilled to announce that SAMEA has been recognised as a Youth in Evaluation SUPER CHAMPION at the 2025 Summit for the Future of Evaluation.

This global recognition highlights SAMEA’s unwavering commitment to empowering young and emerging evaluators (YEEs), both in South Africa and across the African continent.

The award was presented during the Summit by the UNFPA Independent Evaluation Office and the EvalYouth Global Network, who champion efforts to foster greater inclusion and leadership among YEEs in the global evaluation community.

A Commitment to Building Capacity

The accolade reflects the strength of SAMEA’s Emerging Evaluator (EE) Programme, which has grown into a flagship initiative fostering professional growth, mentorship, and opportunities for young evaluators.

A key driver behind this success has been the dedication of Stephan Paulsen, SAMEA’s EE Programme Coordinator. Accepting the award on behalf of SAMEA, Stephan remarked:

“This award is not only a recognition of our collective commitment to building the capacity of Young and Emerging Evaluators, but also a powerful reminder of why this work matters. It strengthens my resolve to continue playing a meaningful role in the evaluation sector and beyond.”

Stephan also paid tribute to the collaborative leadership of Nana Davies, who leads the EE Portfolio on the SAMEA Board, and the many partners, mentors, and donors who support the programme:

“Your support makes this work possible — and impactful. I hope to see more YEEs step forward and lead in their respective thematic areas — and to collaborate in shaping the future of evaluation globally.”

Watch the Award Presentation

The full recording of the Youth in Evaluation Super Champions recognition session is available here (with SAMEA timestamp at 1:45):

Looking Ahead

As SAMEA celebrates its 20th Anniversary, this award serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of building an inclusive evaluation community. We remain committed to creating intentional spaces where emerging evaluators can explore, innovate, and lead.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to UNFPA and EvalYouth Global Network for this recognition and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing the #YouthInEvaluation movement.