Recent Releases
Where reports are publicly available, links have been embedded in the images below. Simply click on the images to be directed to the relevant documents. Additionally, any bold text throughout the page indicates a clickable link to web content, providing access to further information.
ARAFMI CARER SURVEY AND EVALUATION
NAPS was engaged by Arafmi, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting families, kin, and unpaid carers of individuals experiencing mental ill-health, to design, distribute, and analyse a comprehensive survey targeting mental health carers. One of the key deliverables from this engagement is the report At What Cost - The Experiences of Unpaid Mental Health Carers in Queensland 2023–2024, which presents the findings of consultations with carers from across Queensland.
In addition to the survey, NAPS developed an evaluation framework tailored to the requirements of Arafmi's capability building grant agreement with the Queensland Mental Health Commission. The framework focuses on evaluating the progress and outcomes of grant-related capability-building activities while also serving as a foundation for the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of Arafmi’s work as the Peak Body for Mental Health Carers in Queensland.
Under this framework, NAPS has been producing detailed evaluation reports, with the reporting period spanning from 2023 to 2025. These reports assess the effectiveness of activities and outcomes, supporting Arafmi in demonstrating its impact and meeting the expectations of its stakeholders.
YOUTH MAINSTREAMING ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAM
NAPS collaborated with The Open University to develop Module 3 of the Youth Mainstreaming Online Training Program, funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat. This module, titled "Evidence-Based Youth Policy and Programming," focused on equipping learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to design and evaluate youth policies and programs grounded in robust evidence and participatory approaches.
NAPS led the development of the module's content, including the creation of a detailed curriculum, learning outcomes, and interactive components. The module introduced learners to best practices in youth policy delivery, the use of local and international datasets, and participatory methods for engaging stakeholders in youth programming. To enhance accessibility and engagement, NAPS contributed to the development of audio-visual materials and scripting for AV storyboards integrated into the module.
Stakeholder engagement played a critical role in shaping the module's content. NAPS facilitated consultations with youth workers, policymakers, and community stakeholders, ensuring that the material addressed diverse needs and contexts across the Commonwealth. As part of this process, NAPS ensured cultural responsiveness and adherence to ethical standards, particularly in the handling of participant data and consent during content development.
The final deliverables included a comprehensive blueprint for Module 3, integrating all learning materials, interactive activities, and data visualisations to support statistical literacy and policy formulation among learners. Additionally, NAPS acted as a critical reviewer for other modules within the training program, contributing to the overall coherence and quality of the COURSE.
NSW ABORIGINAL POPULATION PROJECTIONS
NAPS collaborated with Advanced Demographic Modelling and Curijo to deliver population projections for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in New South Wales, funded by NSW Aboriginal Affairs. The project aimed to provide actionable insights to inform planning and service delivery while ensuring cultural relevance and methodological rigour.
NAPS led the stakeholder engagement process, conducting consultations with Aboriginal community representatives and government agencies to ensure the projections aligned with community priorities and needs. This included organising culturally safe workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions with regional hubs to enhance understanding and application of the projections.
In addition to stakeholder engagement, NAPS worked closely with Advanced Demographic Modelling to incorporate community feedback into the demographic models. These models provided detailed insights into population dynamics by age, sex, and Aboriginal status, offering projections to 2041. This collaborative approach ensured the projections adhered to principles of data sovereignty while addressing regional service needs.
The project outputs included an accessible dataset of population projections. NAPS also supported capacity-building initiatives, equipping stakeholders with tools and training to interpret and apply the projections effectively. NSW and Regional Summaries are available on the NSW Government Website.
GLOBAL SPORT AND SDG IMPACT REPORT
NAPS was engaged by the Commonwealth Secretariat to support the development of the Global Sport and SDG Impact Report. This report aimed to provide evidence on how sport, physical activity, and physical education contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on developing measurable indicators and promoting their use among Commonwealth Member States and Globally.
To support this initiative, NAPS conducted a peer review and rewrite of the draft report to enhance usability and alignment with the Commonwealth Secretariat’s goals. A comprehensive situational analysis was completed to evaluate existing data on sport and SDG contributions across six domains: health and wellbeing, education, economic growth, sustainable communities, peaceful societies, and gender empowerment.
NAPS prepared a detailed literature review to underpin the report, designed a simplified statistical methodology for evaluating and comparing domain scores, and developed templates for country fact sheets to be used in training and dissemination. Methodology sections were revised to clarify data imputation and analysis processes. Additionally, NAPS integrated findings into a Power BI dashboard to visually present data for stakeholders and policymakers. The DASHBOARD and Policy Brief are precursors to the report being published.
ASEAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INDEX 2022
The 2nd ASEAN Youth Development Index (YDI) builds on previous iterations and consultations, integrating lessons learned from global youth development initiatives. NAPS partnered with UNFPA Asia and the Pacific and The ASEAN Secretariat to deliver this edition, which provides a decade’s worth of longitudinal data from 2013 to 2022.
This edition retains several key indicators from the first report while introducing two new domains of study: Equity and Inclusion and Security and Safety. These complement the original five domains—Education and Skills, Health and Well-being, Employment and Opportunity, Participation and Engagement, and ASEAN Values and Identity—creating a comprehensive framework for assessing youth development across the region.
The 2nd ASEAN YDI emphasised active engagement with key stakeholders, integrating statistical indicators with qualitative insights. The initiative included input from young people and youth-led organisations, capturing their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities faced by youth in the ASEAN region.
AUSTRALIAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INDEX 2020
The 2nd Australian Youth Development Index (AYDI) is a critical tool for tracking progress in youth development across Australia and its jurisdictions. Designed to inform and enhance the creation and implementation of youth policies, the AYDI offers a comprehensive snapshot of young people's well-being and opportunities. The report and data dashboard can be found following the link AYDI 2020
NAPS partnered with the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC), the national non-government peak body for youth affairs, and jurisdictional peak bodies to develop this second iteration of the AYDI. A series of youth consultations were conducted in each jurisdiction, ensuring that young people's voices were integral to the design and construction of the Index.
The AYDI harmonises diverse youth-related datasets into a unified and comprehensive measure. This allows users to gain a clear understanding of youth development in Australia while identifying areas where data collection on young people could be strengthened or expanded. The Index also enables comparisons of the status and well-being of young people across States and Territories, offering valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and organisations.
To ensure widespread understanding and application of the AYDI, multiple workshops and presentations were delivered to government bodies and NGOs. The initiative gained further visibility through a session at the Youth Health Summit, hosted by the Consumers Health Forum, followed by the publication of an article in Health Voices. The article can be accessed following the link Health Voices.
Current and Recent Projects
HAPPY YARNING EVALUATION CO-DESIGN
Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation engaged NAPS to facilitate the community co-design of an evaluation framework for the Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention delivered in the Mimal Indigenous Protected Area, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. The evaluation framework was developed using a Participatory Evaluation Methodology to assess processes and report on the activities and outputs of each phase of the project.
Yarning circles were conducted within the community to gather stories reflecting both positive and negative aspects of the programs. These sessions aimed to identify elements that could be amplified to better deliver culturally sensitive and impactful suicide prevention. Stories were anonymised using AI to highlight common themes and shared experiences. Additionally, interviews with stakeholders were conducted both in person and online. Service gaps were identified for potential program redesign to enhance effectiveness.
Alongside a summary of consultations noting the program's significance and early successes, NAPS provided a suite of tools, including potential survey questions, to support ongoing evaluation of the program.
FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION EQUITY ANALYSIS - INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA PROGRAM
Partnering with Curijo, NAPS contributed to an Equity Analysis to ensure The Foundation’s programs prioritised the needs of those most underserved by the current healthcare system. The research examined healthcare equity and access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, focusing on barriers such as geography, clinical pathway complexities, and service gaps. It also explored variations in eye health access among different demographics and strategies to improve service delivery and reduce dropout rates.
A literature review of Australian and international First Nations Peoples' eye health studies was produced by NAPS to inform the analysis. The study utilised an internal Foundation framework to analyse eye health data and identify priority areas. By reviewing Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations equity policies, NAPS and Curijo examined gendered health-seeking behaviours and developed recommendations for current and future IAP programs. Curijo’s Songlines approach captured the voices and experiences of implementing partners, ensuring culturally responsive and transparent engagement.
Data collection included online surveys and stakeholder interviews, with questions collaboratively developed by NAPS and Curijo’s Aboriginal consultants to ensure cultural alignment. NAPS led the analysis, maintaining cultural integrity in the research design and final report synthesis.
UNESCO - YOUTH GLOBAL OUTLOOK
NAPS has been contracted by UNESCO to support the development of the Youth Global Outlook: Youth Mental Health in Times of Crises. This project aims to explore the impacts of global crises on youth mental health and identify resilience factors and strategies for improving wellbeing. NAPS is overseeing key aspects of the research, including conducting a comprehensive literature review, developing research questions, and facilitating surveys, consultations, and focus groups.
As part of this ongoing initiative, NAPS is chairing an expert panel to oversee the diverse research components and ensure methodological consistency. Ethics training is being delivered to researchers, accompanied by the development of research training tools to enhance capacity and support culturally responsive data collection and analysis.
NAPS is also contributing to the creation of a three-tier analytical model to assess crisis factors, mental health outcomes, and resilience factors. Data collection and analysis are incorporating innovative methodologies, including AI-driven techniques, to produce evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders globally.
SHARJAH VULNERABLE GROUPS NEEDS ASSESMENT
NAPS was contracted by UNFPA to collaborate with the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD) to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of vulnerable groups in Sharjah, designed to improve and integrate service delivery for groups such as widows, divorcees, orphans, people with disabilities, and older individuals, aligning with the Ruler’s vision and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
NAPS prepared several critical components to support this initiative. A detailed literature review provided insights into national and international practices, focusing on the socio-economic, cultural, and legal factors affecting vulnerable groups. A survey was designed to gather perspectives on priorities for government services and barriers to access. Situational analyses were conducted to map existing services, identify gaps, and highlight priority areas for policy intervention.
To ensure inclusive participation, NAPS developed consent forms and focus group guidelines. These tools aim to facilitate stakeholder engagement, including discussions with community leaders, government representatives, and NGOs.
The outputs of this project laid the foundation for evidence-based policy development, ensuring a coordinated approach to improving the well-being of vulnerable populations in Sharjah.
BIDWERN BUTJ UNI – EVALUATION FRAMEWORK CO-DESIGN
NAPS, in partnership with Curijo, was engaged to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework for the Bidwern Butj Uni program by Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation. This initiative aimed to empower First Nations communities in Arnhem Land by combining Indigenous (Bininj) and Western (Balanda) knowledge systems to create culturally relevant and contextually appropriate education and training opportunities.
To achieve this, NAPS and Curijo co-designed the M&E Framework through a participatory process involving extensive community and stakeholder engagement. The project included the development of a literature review, survey design, situational analysis, and culturally sensitive tools such as consent forms and focus group guidelines. These components ensured the program’s alignment with community needs, cultural protocols, and the broader goals of self-determination and leadership development.
Data collection activities included yarning circles and focus groups conducted on-country, providing an inclusive platform for community voices. The co-design sessions identified success indicators such as leadership pathways, cultural preservation, and skills development, which were integrated into the M&E Framework to guide ongoing program evaluation and improvement. This framework also includes tailored data collection tools, ensuring the sustainability and scalability of the program’s impact evaluation over its five-year timeline.
AUSTRALIAN CHILDHOOD MOBILITY STUDY
NAPS partnered with Advanced Demographic Modelling, funded by the Australian Department of Education to deliver a comprehensive study addressing childhood mobility and population projections in Australia. This project aimed to provide insights into spatial patterns, determinants of childhood migration, and the implications for education and infrastructure planning, particularly teacher workforce planning.
Stakeholder engagement played a critical role in this project. NAPS led consultations with jurisdictional government agencies to understand local housing and school planning. These engagements ensured that the research addressed real-world challenges and supported evidence-based decision-making.
In partnership with Advanced Demographic Modelling, NAPS utilised advanced tools to analyse population dynamics and demographic patterns. The study integrated data from the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP) and census sources to provide detailed spatial and temporal insights. This approach enabled the identification of at-risk populations, such as Indigenous children and those from low-income households, ensuring that policy recommendations targeted the most vulnerable groups.
Deliverables included the development of projection models, an analytical framework, and detailed reporting to guide stakeholders in future planning and decision-making. The project provided a robust evidence base to inform resource allocation and infrastructure development across Australia.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION WORKFORCE STRATEGY
NAPS collaborated with the National Museum of Australia (NMA) to develop a series of Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans, as well as a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workforce Strategy. These documents were tailored to address the Museum's commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace reflective of the communities it serves.
As part of this work, NAPS focused on stakeholder engagement and provided expertise in the development of specific Action Plans for First Nations, Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Gender Equity, and Disability and Accessibility. Each plan was informed by consultations with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the Museum's overarching strategy and cultural objectives. NAPS facilitated discussions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff networks, and representatives from diverse cultural and demographic groups to gather insights and co-design actionable recommendations.
These deliverables established a foundation for the Museum's commitment to inclusion and continuous improvement, setting measurable targets for recruitment, workplace culture, and equity
ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN - VICTORIA
NAPS collaborated with St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria (SVPDV) to conduct an environmental scan of Victoria Australia aimed at informing the organisation's future strategic planning. This report utilised a high-level sector analysis, leveraging national and state databases, academic research, and grey literature to provide insights into the socio-economic conditions and service needs of vulnerable populations in Victoria.
The scope of the project included an exploration of poverty and disadvantage, focusing on geographic and demographic trends, and the specific needs of those experiencing financial hardship. A PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) analysis was conducted to assess the external factors impacting SVPDV's mission and service delivery.
Community consultations and stakeholder engagement complemented the data-driven approach, ensuring the report reflected a practical understanding of emerging needs. The final output included a detailed summary of existing gaps in services, recommendations for strategic prioritisation, and tools to assist SVPDV in aligning its programs with areas of greatest need.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION DATA PROJECT
NAPS partnered with Tate and Lyle on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Data Project to enhance organisational understanding and inform strategic decision-making. This project aimed to identify key equity indicators, assess data gaps, and develop actionable insights for improving inclusivity within the organisation.
NAPS undertook several critical responsibilities, including designing surveys, conducting data investigation and collation, and creating a prototype dashboard for visualising equity metrics. Stakeholder engagement played a pivotal role in this project, with NAPS facilitating discussions to ensure the indicators aligned with organisational goals and reflected diverse perspectives.
In collaboration with junior researchers, NAPS integrated data from multiple sources, transforming raw insights into an interactive dashboard for decision-making. This dashboard provided country-level presentations and summarised recommendations for priority regions, serving as a strategic tool for advancing equity initiatives globally.
The final deliverables included a fully functional dashboard, a comprehensive analysis report, and a framework for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of equity, diversity, and inclusion practices..
WORLD YOUTH REPORT 2022
The Division for Inclusive Social Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs prepared the World Youth Report 2022 - Improving Youth Wellbeing and Mental Health: The Role of Inclusive Social Policies. This report addressed six dimensions of a young person’s life and the factors that influence youth wellbeing in each context: education, decent work, family and relationships, poverty/deprivation, technology/online environment, and society. Based on real-life youth experiences and perspectives, it analysed risk and enabling factors to identify the role of policies and examined the interlinked nature of these policies.
NAPS facilitated consultations with young people from diverse backgrounds and different geographic areas on the topic of mental health and wellbeing. NAPS developed a perception survey to collect the views of young people, in addition to hearing directly from young people through focus groups and individual interviews conducted across the world.
While the report is not yet public, it will be made available in the future.
PAKISTAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INDEX AND YOUTH POLICY LAB
The Pakistan Youth Development Index (PYDI) was composed of key indicators that measured youth development across the country. By utilising local data, the Index highlighted levels of youth development in Pakistan and its sub-national regions, while analysing key trends and movements across various domains.
NAPS developed the PYDI in alignment with other prominent global indicators. The Index serves as a tool for stakeholders, informing policy development and government decision-making, while also capturing quality data to track progress over time.
A dashboard displaying the data was developed and can be accessed at DASHBOARD.
In partnership with UNDP, NAPS developed a Youth Policy Lab. This initiative encompassed youth policy development, implementation plans, evaluation plans, and general data literacy. Training for Provincial governments and NGOs on the use of the National Youth Survey, which NAPS developed, was delivered through live sessions and instructional videos using accessible dashboards that NAPS consulted on.
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT INDEX 2020
NAPS served on the Expert Panel for the Global Youth Development Index (GYDI), leading sessions on methodology, youth consultation, and the development of Regional and National Youth Development Indexes.
A section titled Youth Consultation in National and Regional YDIs, authored by Gemma Wood, Co-Founder and Principal Statistician at Numbers and People Synergy, is featured on page 66 of the report.
Additionally, NAPS also collaborated with Communities in Numbers to estimate the impact of policy changes on YDI indicators, focusing to date on education policy changes and their effects on literacy rates.
Please click on the picture to download the report. More tools are available from https://youth-development-index.thecommonwealth.org/.
EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONAL FAMILY THERAPY – CHILD WELFARE
Functional Family Therapy - Child Welfare (FFT-CW) in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was implemented by OzChild in partnership with Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation. The program aimed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in discovering and building their own strengths. Using the evidence-based FFT-CW model, the program worked with children, young people, and their families or kin to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and address challenging behaviours.
The Youth Coalition of the ACT, Curijo, and NAPS were commissioned to evaluate FFT-CW ACT. The evaluation included both process and outcome components, assessing the program's fidelity to its intended delivery and its success in achieving desired outcomes. It also examined factors unique to implementing this evidence-based model in the ACT context and identified areas for further development or refinement.
The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection. NAPS led the quantitative component of the evaluation.
NAMIBIAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT REPORT
The Namibian Youth Development Index Framework Report is a situational analysis of youth data, policy and review of literature on potential youth development index domains in Namibia. This Report also provides the background to the development of a future Namibian Youth Development Index (NYDI), including methodology and rigor for quality data and suggested Domains and Indicators in a framework for the creation of the first NYDI.
NAPS developed the Report framework in line with other prominent global indicators and Youth Development Indexes. To overcome the scarcity of consistent and comprehensive data across the diversity found at the divisional level, NAPS made compilation of the available data and that of the data gaps.
The Report has been formulated as a tool for stakeholders to inform policy development and government decision-making and will also serve to capture what data would be beneficial for a youth development index in the future.
JORDANIAN EVALUATION OF YOUTH CENTRES
NAPS collaborated with a team to evaluate 197 youth centres across Jordan. This work involved designing multiple surveys targeting institutions, youth workers, and young people across the country. The project included a critical diagnosis of the centres, assessing their alignment with the goals of the National Youth Strategy. It focused on program impact, safety, and the ability to reach the most vulnerable and at-risk youth.
NAPS led the analysis of data collected from centre visits, staff interviews, and input from young people. The study adhered to strict protocols for the protection of human subjects, which were assessed and approved through ethics review by the HML Institutional Review Board (IRB). The aim was to provide the Ministry of Youth with a robust evidence base for planning effective future programs and practical activities to empower youth and foster social cohesion. This included briefing the Crown Prince using a NAPS-designed PowerBI dashboard.
The youth survey included questions on mental health and the social, economic, and physical health impacts of Covid-19.
TOOLKIT FOR THE GREATER INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
IN THE POST COVID-19 WORKPLACE
In March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19. People with disability (PWD) may be at greater risk of developing more severe cases of COVID-19 because there are greater barriers to accessing health services and public health information. PWDs may also be disproportionately impacted by the outbreak because of serious disruptions to the services they rely on.
Work places can present a heightened risk to PWDs with barriers to implementing the recommended measures, as such creating inclusive and accessible workplaces is of the utmost importance. When best practices are put in place, such as handwashing, social distancing and avoiding touching objects and surfaces, health risks faced by the entire workplace can be minimised.
This report which was fully funded by NAPS, looks at range of inclusion and accessibility options workplaces may benefit from.
SAMOAN YOUTH MONOGRAPH 2020
The Samoan Youth Monograph (SYM) 2020 is intended to be an analysis of 2016 Census data and other official sources of Youth data in Samoa. The report showcases issues identified through Youth Policy, The State of the Pacific Youth Report 2017, The World Youth Report (including the Sustainable Development Goals) and The World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) Indicators.
The UNFPA engaged NAPS to collate data, provide a literature review, consult with stakeholders, analyse data and write the final report and associated briefs to accompany the report. The SYM enables users to gain a better understanding of youth development issues. Moreover, the research that informed the SYM also enables users to identify the areas in which collection of data on young people needs to be strengthened or expanded. The SYM aims to compare the status and well-being of young people in different cohorts across Samoa.
The SYM is a resource to help policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, young people and others see how young people are faring in absolute and relative terms. It identified successes and achievements that could provide inspiration to others. Policy, programme and investment need were analysed to provide targeted solutions in order to improve the quality and state of youth development across Samoa. Supplementary Policy Briefs on Family Life Education, Harnessing Human Capital and School Attendance, Engagement and Inclusion were produced NAPS.
STATUS OF AFRICAN YOUTH REPORT
The Status of African Youth Report is crucial in delivering the goal of youth development and empowerment, through an understanding of the current landscape of youth issues and what policies and programmes address these issues. It also examines the impact of interventions and identifies areas for optimisation to deliver stronger and more desirable results that serve to strengthen the capacity of AU Member States to respond to youth development considerations.
As a senior international consultant, NAPS coordinated a team of 13 young AUC researchers and ensured that quality data were used in the report. NAPS also led the process of data mining and visualisation while building the capacity of the young researchers and contributing to the creation of evidence-based policies.
The report is a comprehensive account on the current state of youth on the continent based on indicators aligned to the pillars of the demographic dividend. Further to analysing the current situation faced by young people in Africa, the report also emphasises pockets of innovation in various sectors within the five regions of the continent. This highlights innovative solutions towards achieving Africa’s Demographic Dividend. It is intended as a key document for policymakers across the continent, to make informed decisions and policies which directly respond to youth issues and create opportunities to transform the dynamism, innovation and energy of young people into a conduit for meaningful development.
The accompanying policy brief, Africa’s Future: Youth and the Data Defining Their Lives, has been released with regional and continental summaries.
SDGs MALAWI: STATUS ON DISABILITY INCLUSION
Disability is explicitly included in seven targets under five goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They are education, economic growth and employment, reduce inequality within and among countries and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all including people with disabilities (PWDs), accessibility of human settlements, and data collection including monitoring of the SDGs. Several indicators that are intended to measure the progress made for PWDs in the implementation of the SDGs were established by the United Nations.
This report which was fully funded by NAPS, looks at progress made against those indicators in Malawi. The report was made possible through data provided by the Malawi National Statistical Office, Malawi Council for the Handicapped, Malawi Against Physical Disability and Parents of Disabled Children Association of Malawi.
By providing a synopsis of the inclusion of PWDs in Malawi, this report highlights challenges faced by PWDs in different domains and makes recommendations to better include them in Malawian society. Please click on the cover to download the report.
PVE MONITORING AND EVALUATION FRAMEWORK
NAPS provided technical support to the United Nations Development Programme Regional Hub for Arab States, as part of their work of supporting governments in developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for national action plan programs for Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE). This included presenting at the Amman Forum on Measuring, Monitoring and Assessing PVE on Researching with Youth and facilitating broader session on how to improve evaluation practices.
WORLD YOUTH REPORT
The World Youth Report examines the complementary roles of the 2030 Agenda and ongoing youth development efforts. As a biennial publication, it provides Member States and other stakeholders with information and analysis to evaluate progress on youth issues, identify policy gaps, and explore potential responses.
In 2017, NAPS collaborated with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) to create a Statistical Annex featuring youth-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) indicators at global and regional levels. This work included data mining from the UN Statistics Division’s SDG database and sourcing data from organisations such as the World Health Organisation, World Bank, and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Publicly available data from UNESCO, the International Labour Organization, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, UNICEF, UNAIDS, and other validated and comparable sources were also integrated. NAPS further contributed by editing report chapters focused on the use of data as evidence.
The World Youth Report plays a vital role in offering evidence-based guidance on ensuring effective youth policies, considering political aspects, strategic vision, budget and resource allocations, and timing.
STATE OF PACIFIC YOUTH
The State of Pacific Youth (SOPY) report, now in its third edition, has become a key situation analysis of youth development in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Previous editions were published in 1998, 2005, and 2011.
In 2017, NAPS facilitated the creation of the updated State of Youth in the Pacific Report. This involved a review of the 2016 draft report, including a desktop analysis of the region’s performance against Global YDI and SDG indicators. NAPS provided inputs to enhance policy recommendations and strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of established frameworks.
The SOPY 2017 developed a conceptual framework and proposed indicators for a more systematic approach to monitoring youth development across the Pacific region. It aimed to serve as a foundation for evidence-based policymaking and tracking progress in youth development throughout the region.
CAMBODIAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INDEX
As a member state of ASEAN and contributor to the development of the 2016 ASEAN Youth Development Index (YDI), Cambodia undertook a process to develop its national YDI as a complement to the ASEAN YDI. Cambodia’s inaugural YDI sought to capture the local complexities of youth development and provide insights at both national and international levels.
NAPS partnered with UNFPA to bring an international perspective to youth development measures for the Cambodian YDI (CYDI). NAPS facilitated workshops with youth representatives, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), and Government stakeholders to address issues facing youth in Cambodia, summarising these for inclusion in the CYDI and its associated report. Data was sourced from publicly available provincial-level information, offering a more accurate picture of youth development across the country compared to existing indexes. The results, along with thematic issue chapters, were included in the final report. These findings were also shared during a capacity-building mission to the provinces. The report is available in hard copy only.
The Cambodian YDI serves as a centralised evidence base, tracking progress in improving the lives of young citizens. It also informs policy and incentivises the collection of data on various youth development indicators.
INDONESIAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INDEX
In 2016, NAPS collaborated with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and a national consultant to develop the framework for the Indonesian Youth Development Index (IYDI). The IYDI was designed to provide a snapshot of youth development progress in Indonesia. It offered valuable insights into the country's diverse demographics and served as a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of youth-related policies and programs initiated by the Indonesian Government.
Consultations were held with youth representatives, Youth Advocacy Organisations, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), and Government stakeholders to explore the challenges facing youth in Indonesia, the availability of data, and the prevailing political policy landscape. In 2017, NAPS was re-engaged to further develop this framework into the completed IYDI. Using data from the National Statistics Office and input from stakeholders across ministries and NGOs, the IYDI was constructed.
The IYDI centralises information to assess progress in the lives and future prospects of young citizens at both national and provincial levels. It highlights specific domains and indicators requiring greater focus and acts as a motivator for collecting data across different aspects of youth development. The report includes recommendations and next steps for enhancing future iterations and youth policy.
ASEAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INDEX 2016
The first iteration of the ASEAN Youth Development Index (YDI) was developed following a 2015 commitment by ASEAN Member States—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
NAPS collaborated with a national consultant to facilitate workshops involving representatives from member States, youth organisations, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). These workshops focused on designing an index modelled on the Global YDI but tailored specifically to the ASEAN context. Once the indicators and methodology were agreed upon by all member States, NAPS constructed the ASEAN YDI and provided detailed analysis and context within the report.
The ASEAN YDI enables Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat to assess the effectiveness of youth-related policies and programmes. The country profiles included in the report help identify specific policy areas requiring greater attention.
BANGLADESH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INDEX
The Bangladesh Youth Development Index (BYDI) measures development equalities and inequalities including, but not limited to health, education, social, cultural and economic status of youth. The BYDI identifies, measures and also recommends the key priorities for youth development in the country.
NAPS developed the BYDI through three phases. Phase One involved consultation with various stakeholders and design of the YDI Framework. Phase two was the construction of the index, a dashboard for the data and the report while Phase Three, focused on accessibility and help in utilising the BYDI.
The BYDI report provides quantitative assessments to measure progress made in several thematic areas that align with the national policies of Bangladesh and provide a set of disaggregated data by age, sex and division. It also triangulates data to inform the national status in reference to regional and international commitments which includes the Sustainable Development Goals.
MEASURING THE CONTRIBUTION OF SPORT, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The toolkit aims to directly inform the commitments made including the International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS) VI, in the United Nations Action Plan on Sport for Development and Peace 2018–2020, the 9th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting and the Kazan Action Plan (UNESCO, 2018). The toolkit aims to align local, national and international sport policies and programmes with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Commonwealth Secretariat engaged NAPS to conduct a review and prepare a report of recommendations on the toolkit. NAPS provided a reviewed report to the Commonwealth Secretariat for the Toolkit and Model Indicators to ensure clarity and utility of the document and framework. An accompany review report with additional recommendations on alignment to international best practice and coherence with the Kazan Action Plan and Sustainable Development Goals was also delivered with revised Indicators and suggested proxy indicators in the public domain. Indicators were also mapped to youth specific SDGs and other development indicator matrixes.
Through increased alignment and strengthening associated monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks, the contributions of sport, physical education and physical activity to the SDGs and associated national priorities can be maximised and measured. It is envisaged that countries will be able to use this toolkit to both better measure the positive effect of sport, physical education and physical activity as well as providing policy advice to strengthen the industry and better allocate resources.