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In international development, public policy reform is a key tool for informing socioeconomic progress. But how can one ensure that the reform is well-crafted, effective, and sustainable?

One clear path is to use scientifically rigorous research to guide reform—but this approach brings several challenges. First, how can we translate evidence, often buried in technical language, into actionable formats for policymakers? Second, in some political cultures, policymakers fear that policy evaluations could sour their public image if they reveal certain interventions to be ineffective. Instead, how can we promote the idea that evidence improves governance by helping identify policies where resources should be invested and where they could be saved? And third, once interest in research is sparked, how can we make sure that partnerships between researchers and practitioners are both productive and sustainable?

Bridging the gap between research and policy is one of the central goals of the organization I had the honor of interning for in Rabat, Morocco this summer, the Morocco Innovation and Evaluation Lab (MEL). Founded in 2020 (formerly known as the Morocco Employment Lab), MEL is a collaboration between the (UM6P), the (J-PAL), the Harvard Center for International Development, and . The MEL aims to foster development in Morocco by ensuring that policy is informed by rigorous scientific evidence and research is translated into action. Employing a multi-sectoral approach, their research spans topics from the impact of cash transfer programs to public employment services.

This summer, one of my main tasks was to assist MEL in organizing their in June. Toward Evidence-Based Development: Climate Change, Education and Employment in Morocco was a one-day event which served as a platform to connect policymakers and researchers, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.

In the weeks leading up to MEL’s flagship evidence-based policy conference in Morocco, I contributed across several key areas to support both content development and event execution:

Content Strategy & Research Support:

• Drafted background briefs on water access, labor markets, and education in Morocco to prepare international speakers with localized insights.
• Co-developed the opening presentation delivered by MEL leadership to frame the conference.

Strategic Communications:

• Created social media content and a press release to promote the event and its goals in advancing data-driven policymaking.
• Gathered photo and video requests for media partners.

Event Planning & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Designed a customizable meeting schedule to facilitate meaningful connections between international experts and Morocco-based policy leaders.
• Implemented an asynchronous Q&A system, enabling attendees to submit questions during panels—enhancing engagement and inclusivity.

These responsibilities strengthened my ability to manage cross-functional tasks in a fast-paced, high-impact environment—skills essential for driving effective public policy reform. These tasks also reemphasized the importance of planning ahead, being detail-oriented, and remaining flexible when things inevitably shift. Some of my greatest takeaways, however, came on the day of the conference itself.

Equity & Inclusion Are Central to Policy Reform

The morning of the conference kicked off with opening remarks from MEL and UM6P leadership, as well as special remarks from Morocco’s Minister of Education Mohamed Saad Berrada and Professor Esther Duflo. Three panels followed, delving into climate change & sustainable agriculture, education, and labor, respectively.

A consistent theme echoed throughout the conference: for reform to be effective, equity and inclusion must be at the forefront. For example, in her keynote on the global implications of climate change, Professor Duflo emphasized that the poorest 50% of the world contributes far less to greenhouse gas emissions than the wealthiest 10%, yet they bear the greatest brunt of global warming. She argued that before rushing to deploy high-tech climate solutions, decision-makers must engage directly with impoverished communities - those who are most affected, hold the power to take local action, and yet are often the least heard. Duflo emphasized that one way to put this into practice is to invest more in climate adaptation research, which remains underfunded despite its potential to bring the greatest short-term benefits to the most vulnerable populations.

At a time when foreign development, equity, and inclusion face heightened scrutiny, I was encouraged to see these values reaffirmed throughout the day. Perhaps more than ever in recent history, we must renew our commitment to them.

Policy Evaluation is a Smart Investment

When governments are operating with tight budgets, policy evaluations help decision makers optimize their available resources. A prominent example emerged during the education panel, when speakers shared findings from a recent MEL evaluation on Morocco’s large-scale education reform initiative, Pioneer Schools Program, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education Preschool and Sports. 

The prospective evaluation found that the program’s use of , such as structured pedagogy and adapting instruction to student’s actual learning level produced significant improvements in learning outcomes across sampled schools. From the outset, evidence played a vital role in both strengthening the program’s credibility and providing clarity on where future investments can be made. By providing a platform for researchers and policymakers to share the benefits of evidence use, we can build greater political will to employ it in future development policies.

Building A Culture of Evidence Takes Intention & Connection

While the keynote speeches and panel discussions offered key insights, it was often the informal conversations and side meetings between attendees that proved just as valuable—fostering connections that are essential for effective policy collaboration.

The MEL team worked strategically to maximize every spare minute of the day by coordinating bilateral meetings between researchers and practitioners during the week of the conference. For some researchers, this meant visiting UM6P’s College of Agriculture campus to explore the potential for a new collaboration. For other stakeholders, it meant partaking in meetings with fellow academics, international organization officials, and civil servants to launch a project on labor market inclusion.

Yet the real value of these meetings lies not just in their content, but in the opportunity to build genuine, in-person connections across cultures, time zones, and sectors. Whether formally scheduled or organically sparked over an espresso, these interactions foster trust between stakeholders that, when reinforced with regular follow-ups, can accelerate project timelines by reducing misunderstandings and encouraging openness in data sharing.

Final Takeaways

Cultivating a political culture grounded in evidence demands rigorous scientific methodology, inclusive research design, communication of success stories, and human connection. It takes time but is achievable when we prioritize research and policies that center the needs of the most impacted populations, share success stories to emphasize that evidence is crucial to informing better governance, and create opportunities for meaningful in-person engagement with stakeholders and policymakers. Overall, this experience has deepened my belief that evidence-based policymaking yields better governance.

I am thankful to Sara Ameziane Hassani and Maria Rhomari for their guidance and supervision throughout the internship at the this summer. I am also grateful to Eve Margolis and Crystal Kirabo at the Harvard Center for International Development for making this internship experience possible and offering their consistent support.