To improve development, Rwanda must make use of the dynamic platform linking research with public policy, said National Institute of Statistics Director General Louis Munyakazi.

"To accelerate economic growth and social development, it is paramount to generate knowledge based on strong evidence that allows policy makers to make informed decisions,” said Dr. Munyakazi in a speech on July 8 at the Hotel Umubano Novotel, announcing a new policy analysis and research network under the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR-Rwanda).

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda organized the event with the World Bank and aims to strengthen economic research and capacity building in Rwanda.

In his speech, Munyakazi said there was a need for such a policy research network in Rwanda in order to monitor and evaluate the impact of the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

IPAR-Rwanda executive director Antonia Mutoro said during the same workshop that the establishment of IPAR was necessary because of the weaknesses in the policy research environment in Rwanda.

"As you are aware, policy research in Rwanda takes place in a large variety of institutions and a significant portion is done by international consultants and fails to pay attention to the bigger picture and institutional challenges,” Mutoro said.

IPAR is a public domain institution that aims to support the formulation and implementation of sound public policies through objective research and analysis, while promoting public discourse on policy issues by providing forums for all stake holders such as government, academia, private sector interests, civil society and development partners to engage in public dialogue on critical policy issues.

World Bank country manager Mrs. Victoria Kwakwa also attended the two-day workshop along with distinguished delegates, researchers and representatives of various government institutions.

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