The Global Programme to End Child Marriage is jointly managed and implemented by UNICEF and UNFPA. The elimination of child marriage and other harmful practices is a Sustainable Development Goal target 5.3, and also a strategic priority of both organizations. The programme is concluding its phase II and planning to commence phase III. 

In 2023, the evaluation offices of UNICEF and UNFPA commissioned an independent joint evaluation of phase II (2020–2023) of the Global Programme. The joint evaluation aims to assess the Global Programme’s contribution at global, regional and country levels to ending child marriage. The evaluation also seeks to identify good practices and lessons learned from the implementation of phase II in order to inform the development of phase III, as well as efforts to end child marriage globally. 

Building upon the findings, the evaluation offers a series of recommendations related to programme design, contexualization and adaptability; strengthening coordination and programme convergence; deepening and further embedding the gender transformative approach; generation and use of evidence; and improving sustainability. It examines the integration of the gender transformative approach, analyses progress in relation to the “leave no one behind” principle, and explores the catalytic effect of the Global Programme within and beyond the 12 programme countries (Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, India,  Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia). Other focus areas include the added value of joint programming and coordination by the two agencies and how the Programme has adapted to crises.