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News, ideas, and analysis from J-PAL staff and affiliated professors. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly email updates.

COP26 sinage

How evidence from randomized evaluations can inform climate finance at COP26

One of the goals of COP26 is to mobilize climate finance, but funding alone cannot guarantee effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Because technological and policy innovations do not always achieve their desired effects in the field, climate financing should be informed by real...
Training staff posing for a group photo in Cairo, Egypt

Catalyzing the use of evidence for effective business training and finance in Egypt

Alison Fahey and Lobna Kassim reflect on the successful partnership between J-PAL MENA at AUC and the MSME Development Agency to create a culture of evidence-based program and policy design.
Two women in line at bank

IFII Blog Series: Advancing inclusive digital financial services to empower women in Indonesia

Financial services can give women more control over financial decisions, which can lead to empowerment and improved well-being. When designed properly, access to financial services may not only help women build resilience and take advantage of opportunities, but it can also help them set goals and...
Two men repair breached sections of embankments

Two lessons from the landmark IPCC report on climate change

IPCC’s recent climate report urges rapid action to produce deep reductions in emissions and adapt to climate change in the coming decades. We highlight key takeaways for poverty alleviation efforts.
Map showing the Western Balkans

How can insights from rigorous evidence inform policymaking in the Western Balkans?

This post highlights how rigorous impact evaluations can contribute to this broader reflection, including by examining interventions from neighboring countries outside the region facing similar challenges, such as migrant and refugee inclusion in Bulgaria and Turkey.
students attending Breakthrough's gender sensitization in-classroom discussions

Gender inequality: What really needs to change?

In an op-ed for the India Development Review, J-PAL SA's Anna Rego and Shagun Sabarwal argue that policies and programs must change restrictive gender norms in order to meaningfully impact the lives of women and girls.
Covid-19 vaccine and child sitting in background

Strengthening immunization demand and delivery: Lessons from existing evidence

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to routine vaccination services around the world. In a new evidence note, the J-PAL Health sector team provides an overview of policy lessons stemming from economic research on improving immunization coverage.
People walk through an outdoor market in Chile.

Data collection, new RCTs, and policy guidance to inform pandemic response and recovery

The past year has been filled with tragedy and sacrifice—but, critically, also innovation, as researchers and policymakers addressed new challenges with creative solutions. Existing and newly generated evidence has informed many policies over the past year, providing a roadmap for incorporating...