Hnin Ei Lwin

In essence, data collection is part of a researcher’s toolkit, but gathering data alone does not qualify as research.   Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth 

Many staff experience evaluations as if they were exams, creating anxiety and often leading organi z ations to focus only on positive results for donors.  Findings are frequently left unused, and challenges are seen as weaknesses rather than opportunities to learn.  By integrating a Utilization-Focused Evaluation approach into other relevant methods, evaluations can become practical, actionable, and truly helpful for improving programs, without adding unnecessary burden on staff. Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth 

During the weekend, I read the   Creative Economy Outlook 2024   to learn more about the creative and cultural sectors in the economy. Since my services, such as research and development, can also be considered creative services, I believe this report is worth reading and sharing.   The report highlights how human creativity has become a major driver of the global economy through digital content, gaming, music, and movies. Digital services now dominate, with people paying for access via streaming platforms, online games, and other digital content instead of physical goods such as CDs, DVDs, or books. Artificial intelligence  (AI)  is helping creators work more efficiently and reach wider audiences. The sector also supports social inclusion, cultural diversity, and sustainability while offering new business opportunities and innovative ways to engage audiences worldwide. Despite its rapid growth, the creative economy faces significant challenges. Benefits are une...

As the very first document to share in 2026, I want to highlight the   OECD/INFE Toolkit for Measuring Financial Literacy, Inclusion, and Well‑Being 2026, which was just released today (13 Jan 2026) and is fully up to date . This updated toolkit provides a practical and comprehensive approach to assessing financial literacy, inclusion, and well‑being. National institutions can use it as is or adapt its methodology to suit their own programs and projects.  In my view, it is more than just a technical instrument. The detailed questions and carefully structured approach offer rich insights and valuable learning opportunities for anyone seeking to better understand and strengthen financial capabilities. I believe it is a resource that can guide reflection and action, helping both organizations and individuals learn more about financial education and inclusion. Link to the document:  https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-infe-toolkit-for-measuring-financial-literacy-inclus...

  Wishing you all a wonderful start to 2026! Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth

Not learning from M&E can keep us going in circles and repeating the same mistakes.  Without taking dedicated time to reflect on and act upon M&E findings, the resources invested in M&E lose their impact and fail to drive meaningful improvement. Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth

This week, I read a great resource on impact evaluation and wanted to share it because it provides thorough, practical, and easy-to-follow guidance.  Although developed over a decade ago, the UNEG Impact Evaluation Guidance Note remains highly relevant, outlining core principles such as a strong Theory of Change, mixed-methods approaches, contribution analysis, and quality assurance. It also highlights context-sensitive designs for complex UN programs, which often focus on policy and normative change, including process tracing, qualitative methods, triangulation, and approaches for assessing causal contribution. In short, the document reminds us that impact evaluation is about understanding long-term changes (both expected and unexpected) and exploring how a program contributes to those results. It emphasizes clear causal pathways, evaluability assessments, ethical standards, and robust data collection and analysis.  Overall, it provides a practical framework for conducting cr...

I have recently become more interested in both natural and human-made disasters, especially as their impacts continue to grow across many countries. When we talk about natural hazards, it is impossible to ignore the influence of climate change and the urgent need to strengthen our resilience at every level. Disasters do not respect borders; their effects are interconnected and often cascade across regions, with climate-related events such as floods, storms, extreme heat, and earthquakes becoming more frequent and severe.  In Myanmar, cyclones, widespread flooding, landslides, and earthquakes have exposed gaps in real-time data, coordination, and last-mile communication, leaving some communities without the information they need to stay safe. Although many countries in the region are improving forecasting systems and preparedness mechanisms, vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations still face significant barriers to early action.  For the Early Warnings for All initiative to su...

I encourage you to read this discussion paper recently published by INTRAC if you work on MEL systems, carry out evaluations, or collaborate with partners in the international development or humanitarian sector. It offers a thoughtful and accessible overview of what decolonising MEL can look like in practice, including centring community knowledge, strengthening local decision making, and using culturally relevant methods. The insights draw on contributions from practitioners and researchers across the global majority and minority worlds, which makes the paper feel grounded and relatable. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to approach MEL in a more equitable, reflective, and community-aligned way. Link to the report: https://www.intrac.org/resources/how-are-others-thinking-about-decolonising-mel-within-the-international-development-sector Hnin Ei Lwin #Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL #social #development #humanitarian #publichealth