Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The volume represents a groundbreaking scholarly endeavor that redefines evaluation practices across diverse contexts in the Global South. It champions cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and adaptability as paramount principles. This transformative journey commences with a critical examination of national evaluation systems, delving into capacity, utilization, and relevance. The imperative of decolonizing evaluation challenges Western paradigms, illuminating the transformative power of indigenous evaluation, community-based approaches, and adaptability. Developmental evaluation principles flexibly address evolving Global South challenges, including climate change, gender dynamics, and health systems. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pivotal role of evaluation in data-driven policy responses comes to the forefront. The volume calls for political reform as regions undergo sociopolitical transitions, recognizing its intricate connection with evaluation. These themes coalesce around the emphasis on alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, vividly demonstrating the instrumental role evaluation plays in advancing global sustainability efforts. In essence, the volume deeply engages readers in a multifaceted exploration, challenging conventions, celebrating diversity, and advocating for transformative, equitable, and sustainable evaluation practices within the dynamic landscapes of the Global South. It embodies an unwavering commitment to scholarship and progress, even amid unprecedented challenges.</jats:p>