Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA)

We generate innovative research policymakers use to reduce global poverty.

Follow our #openscience (@UCBITSS) & #inequality initiatives (@Berkeley_OLab).

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

Over the past year, the global development landscape has changed significantly, including the dismantling of #USAID.

In a new #CEGABlog, Director of Operations @laurenfriedman reflects on the last year and introduces CEGA’s strategic priorities for 2026.

https://t.co/SNra5wFaNP

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

CEGA Fellow Alebel Weldesilassie opened the discussion on evidence-informed policy: “Evidence can help us test our assumptions, but it must answer a real policy question.”

#AES2026

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

💡 Why don’t African policymakers use evidence in decision-making?

During yesterday’s @fdrepsi Panel, Ethiopian researchers and policymakers discussed the challenges and opportunities of integrating rigorous social science research and evidence into decision-making processes.

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

🌍At #AES2026, panelists explored how AI can improve healthcare, bridge research and policymaking, and help governments anticipate climate challenges.

As moderator Daniel Getachew Kabtyimer put it, "AI is a force multiplier rather than a force divider."

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

🌍 How can research have greater policy impact?

In today's #AES2026 keynote, Abebe Shimeles discussed strengthening the link between research and policy by investing in research skills, engaging policymakers, and fostering long-term collaboration through mentorship.

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

Yesterday's keynote session on climate change emphasized that:

🤝Political commitment to using evidence is essential for managing climate shocks.

💰Investments in development go hand-in-hand with climate change adaptation.

📊Evidence should inform, not dictate policy.

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

🌍The 2026 Africa Evidence Summit is underway in Addis Ababa!

Researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners from across Africa and around the world have gathered to explore this year’s theme: "Powering Policy with Innovative, Inclusive, Transparent Data."

#AES2026

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

Why might entrepreneurs choose not to maximize their profits?

A new #CEGAWorkingPaper by faculty affiliate @hmmlowe & colleagues explores what happens when vegetable vendors in India are given the chance to increase profits with little risk.

Learn more: https://t.co/bORap5AjDd

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

This year’s Summit is made possible with support from @BeckerFriedman, @poverty_action, @afrobarometer, @PharoFoundation, and @pdri_devlab.

Stay tuned for live updates throughout the Summit!

🔗 Explore the agenda here: https://t.co/HLoclRI7S1

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

📣 One week until the 2026 Africa Evidence Summit!

The Africa Evidence Summit, hosted by CEGA in partnership with @NIERA_EA and @fdrepsi, will gather leaders from across the globe to explore innovative research shaping the future of development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

How can we use cost evidence to help more people?

CEGA & @CARE recently hosted a training series on economic evaluation methods, with a focus on costing and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Learn more about CEGA’s cost-effectiveness work: https://t.co/WI83QgVYzU

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

How can we strengthen scientific capacity in low- and middle-income countries?

A new blog from @notanastronomer highlights key takeaways from the 2026 Science in Development Workshop featuring CEGA Director of Policy & Inclusion @maya_ranganath.

📖: https://t.co/1bSv2JKQwE

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

How does knowing someone’s identity shape workplace interactions?

In a new #CEGAWorkingPaper, faculty affiliates @hmmlowe, Anujit Chakraborty, Gareth Nellis & colleagues explore how concealing caste affects workplace relationships in India.

Learn more: https://t.co/v0rzdZYN2e

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

🌱 How can seed funding expand opportunities for junior researchers?

In a new #CEGABlog, recipients of CEGA’s Development Economics Challenge grants share how CEGA support helped shape their research & advance their careers.

📖 Learn more: https://t.co/hpOKk3tgzF

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

How useful is mobile phone data for measuring poverty?

A new @WorldBankGroup blog features research by CEGA Faculty Co-Director @jblumenstock & faculty affiliate Emily Aiken exploring the potential and limitations of mobile phone data.

📖 Learn more: https://t.co/eXdWAn7K2m

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

💡 How can research adapt to changing contexts?

In a new #CEGABlog, Research Manager Mansi Kalra shares insights on how CEGA’s Syrian and Refugee Life Study navigated data collection in a conflict-impacted region.

📖 Learn more: https://t.co/JDBRDscIQR

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

💡What limits refugee self-reliance in Uganda?

A new paper from Spring 2025 CEGA Fellow Susan Awor & faculty affiliate @svrozo explores the factors that shape refugee resettlement patterns in Uganda, Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nation.

Learn more: https://t.co/ov4ZjyBrPT

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

📽️ Are you a UC Berkeley student or recent graduate with video production experience?

CEGA is looking for a video production intern based in Berkeley, CA to develop a short, public-facing video for CEGA’s Parvaaz initiative.

🔗Learn more and apply here: https://t.co/WyCe81EmyM

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

CEGA is excited to welcome @ahobbservation to the CEGA community as a new faculty affiliate!

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

📖 Learn more about their findings and recommendations in the new CIDR report: https://t.co/oRzQVyaDtn.
📄 See the full-length working paper: https://t.co/VunrcTsIOW
🔗 Join our upcoming webinar on July 7: https://t.co/D4yoJu5pOt

[Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) @CEGA_UC]

How can African universities develop the pipeline of scholars & research in development economics?

As part of the Collaboration for Inclusive Development Research (CIDR), 2013 CEGA Fellow @AnnetAdong & faculty affiliate @DanielNPosner examined barriers faced by African scholars.