Development is more than achieving targets: Lessons from DPRK
I recently had the unique experience of spending time in DPRK (North Korea). I was evaluating two separate projects – standard stuff related to OECD DAC, results, gender and inclusion, lessons learned etc. After my first visit to the communities where activities were being implemented, I was asked what I thought. ‘Same thing, different country,’ was my response. To be fair, once you get past the hoopla about DPRK, the development needs at the community level are pretty much the same as any other least developed country or fragile state. Geography and culture influence what you do and how, but the issues that need addressing are similar.