Philanthropic ambitions increasingly focus on systems change, equity and scale, yet the environments in which this work unfolds are complex, politically-sensitive and uncertain. Traditional monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) frameworks – largely designed for stable and predictable contexts – often fail to capture how change happens in fast-moving systems.
This learning roundtable creates a space for funders and strategic partners to explore how evidence and learning can be rethought for complex systems. Together, participants will explore adaptive approaches to MEL, learning-driven decision-making and managing for impact when outcomes are uncertain and pathways to change are emergent.
The 75-minute session will feature a keynote from Shruti Mehrota (Founder, Syla Capital; Executive Chair, Aurora) and perspectives and practical examples from Andrea Azevedo (Open Society Foundations), Alison Miranda (Global Fund for Human Rights) and Jo Robinson (Itad). The session will be chaired by Cleo Blackman (Itad) who will lead an interactive discussion with participants to explore challenge-led questions such as:
- How to remain agile while still pursuing long-term goals?
- What kinds of evidence genuinely support decision‑making in uncertain environments?
- How teams can create the conditions for learning and adaptation without losing strategic clarity?
Designed to be interactive and practice-oriented, the session will surface practical insights, shared challenges and emerging solutions to help philanthropies make stronger strategic choices, manage risk and support transformative change in dynamic contexts.
This event is open to all but spaces are limited. Please contact communications@itad.com to register your interest.
