This case study will tell the story of the World Commissions on Dams, an ambitious multi-stakeholder process using evidence-based research to build a solid consensus despite the diversity of the constituencies represented. Considered good practice by many as a dialogue process aiming to shape global policy-making, the WCD produced positive results and important lessons both in terms of policy, and CSO networking and strategising for influencing policy. However due to mixed response and lack of uptake by some national governments and international institutions such as the World Bank, the jury is still out on the ultimate usefulness and replicability of the process.