The main purpose of the evaluation is to assess the performance (activities, outputs, outcomes) of the projects (I) Promoting an Enabling Environment for Freedom of Expression: Global Action with special focus on the Arab Region, funded by the Government of Sweden (Sida), and (II) Promoting Freedom of Expression in Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen, funded by the Government of Finland– Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland).
The evaluation assesses the quality of the main outputs and outcomes taking into account the relevant trends in the UNESCO Report World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development especially in the Arab region. It reviews the project’s performance in respect to the agreed objectives of the project document focusing on the expected results and development objectives and also in terms of sustainability and gender equality.
The findings of the evaluation are used by UNESCO and the donor to assess the achievement of the project results and

• enhance the project’s relevance, efficiency and effectiveness as well as shape the features of the project towards improvements for the second phase (for Sweden) and any follow up projects (with Finland);
• demonstrate the project’s achievements and challenges as well as identify lessons learned and areas still to be covered;
• define the project’s evolvement to secure sustainability after activities end;
• define the possible roles of UNESCO and both donors (Finland and Sweden) after the initial funding phase.