Browsing by Author "Mukhambetzhanov, Daulet"

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    BUILDING A COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL IMPACT MEASUREMENT FRAMEWORK FOR UNICEF: INTEGRATING ESG PRINCIPLES AND ADDRESSING CHALLENGES OF AGGREGATION
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2024-11-03) Aben, Dauren; Mukhambetzhanov, Daulet; Kanatbayeva, Shynar
    This paper constructs an overall social impact measurement model for UNICEF, integrating ESG principles that shall enhance program effectiveness and accountability. We adopt a mixed-methods approach: we conduct document analysis from UNICEF annual reports from the year 2000 to 2023, perform quantitative regression analyses of health and education outcomes, and conduct the collection of insights from stakeholders via surveys and interviews. The findings also reveal that while environmental and social dimensions have increasingly been incorporated into the frameworks of UNICEF, much is yet to be done about its governance dimensions, which may hinder transparency and accountability. The regression results highlight that health investments by UNICEF, in actuality, cut down the under-five mortality rates; therefore, the programs are effective. On the other hand, it is found that investment in education is unrelated to enrollment rates, thus signaling systemic issues beyond financial inputs. This is further corroborated by the call from stakeholders for increased integration of ESG, with a higher emphasis on governance practices that would help inspire confidence and create better long-term outcomes. In building upon such a strategy are suggestions for increased integration within the strategic framework regarding governance, coherence in data collection methodologies, stakeholder outreach, advanced data analytics, and management software. This conceptual framework would position UNICEF to better measure and communicate its social impact, aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals by building on the outcomes of sustainable development.