The development paradigm is undergoing a fundamental change in the world of poly-crisis. As we move beyond the Covid-19 black swan, development practice is also settling into a new normal. Almost all strategic decisions are influenced by innovation, technology, and scale, and identity, equity, and inclusion have emerged as key values underpinning human development efforts. The importance of data in decision-making and evidence-based policy has grown as we strive for effectiveness, results, transparency, and accountability. Data-for-impact is no longer a buzzword.

M&E has evolved in tandem with the changing latitudes, best meeting the emerging needs of programmers, policymakers, investors, and other key stakeholders. New perspectives, methods, and tools are increasingly finding a place in tracking progress and measuring outcomes. As a result, a shared understanding and appreciation of the new vocabulary are required to deploy the most appropriate approaches, methods, and tools in a given development context.