Bosco Mwije is a plumber working for the government of Uganda’s Mid-Western Umbrella for Water and Sanitation Authority in Rweihamba, Kasenda.
Our Annual Report highlights some of our achievements in 2023, connecting people and ideas, systems and solutions to achieve justice for all
Published on: 03/07/2024
Creating a just and sustainable world requires radical, collective action. Our work spans rural districts, national capitals, and global stages. It allows us to understand what it takes to ensure access to clean and safe water and sanitation for all, and it informs our engagement in broader networks dedicated to climate and social justice.
A highlight for IRC and our One For All alliance partners this year was the All Systems Connect International Symposium in May. This three-day event drew more than 700 participants to The Hague. They included delegations led by ten national ministries from One For All countries – a dynamic mix of ministers, mayors, academics, service providers, and grassroots NGOs. These delegations met, talked and worked with other financiers, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) colleagues from other countries and representatives from health, climate, and other sectors. Learning and sharing, they renewed their commitment to the systems change that's critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work is guided by our Destination 2030 theory of change that outlines integrated action across districts, nations, and the world. In 2023, years of investment in partner districts began to pay off as we saw steady progress at the district level being outpaced by growing interest and uptake at the national level. In Ghana and Uganda our master planning approach is being integrated into national strategies. In Ghana we've also have seen an exciting expansion from our initial partner district, Asutifi North, to three additional districts in the Ahafo region. We'll build on this momentum in the years ahead to drive regional and national level uptake across the world.
Systems change for sustainable services is never easy. Yet even amidst severe security challenges in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, local leaders are taking bold steps in planning and developing their water and sanitation services.
On the global stage, a high-level meeting during the UN Water Conference, attended by the King of the Netherlands and the President of Botswana, set in motion our Heads of State Initiatives. These are a collaborative effort to mobilise the highest levels of political support for WASH initiatives within countries.
Our ambitious vision is that all the countries where we work will recognise WASH as a national priority, key to ensuring resilience and wellbeing in a changing world.
IRC is evolving in the face of global changes. In 2023, our Supervisory Board endorsed a transformative plan. IRC will become a federation of autonomous national organisations, united by a common vision and brand: OneIRC.
We achieved a new record for annual revenue of €12.5 million. Despite this, and reflecting the challenging global environment, our overall financial outcome was a loss of €463k. A strategic restructuring towards the year's end will streamline costs and prepare us for a future as a decentralised network with a focus on the Global South.
As we reflect on the past year, we're grateful for the resilience and dedication of our staff and partners worldwide. Despite financial and operational challenges, we've not only persevered – we've thrived. We remain committed to a world where everyone takes safe water and sanitation services for granted. We thank you for your continued partnership in building a more just and sustainable world for all.
Read our Annual Report 2023, our Monitoring Report 2023 and our 2023 Financial Report for more highlights and details of our work.
...I am happy to note that the spirit of accountability which I have championed since 2012 is taking root
Hon. Rwabuhinga Richard, Chairperson Kabarole District Local Government
I am amazed at how much the water and environment sector is doing that is not getting enough attention. People want to associate with and fund winning innovations [such as the WASH master planning] and I am excited that the NPA can now support the sector to set common priorities, avoid small and fragmented investments and pool resources to create more impact.Prof. Pamela Mbabazi, Executive Chairperson, National Planning Authority, Uganda
This year Asutifi North received a special award for WASH (at the District League Table) and this was given to them by the King of Ashanti. ... Tears came into my eyes because I could turn my eyes back to 2017 and see what was happening there. And in 2023-2024 this has been acknowledged.Dr. Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampa, Director General of the National Development Planning Commission, Ghana
'Partners of the 'Work: No Child's Business programme in India are very happy with the support of IRC. We've built our capacity and have been able to understand the added value of harvesting outcomes related to the work that we do to eradicate child labour in
different regions of India. Several of the project partners will continue to use outcome harvesting as a monitoring and planning tool after the project ends.Sandra Claassen, Director, Arisa
This is not due to corruption, it's just poor planning because the needs of women and children are not seriously considered. In the high saline coastal areas, maintaining menstrual hygiene without clean water and proper toilets is impossible.
Dr. Sharmind Neelormi, Professor of Economics, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh
Thanks to the awakening caused by IRC Mali, our view of rural maternity hospitals has been transformed. They have become the symbol of our renewed commitment to the well-being and health of our population.
Chaka Coulibaly, Mayor of Nossombougou
Since the All Systems Go Africa symposium, I have set my commune on the path of strengthening the mechanisms that guarantee the delivery of better municipal water, hygiene and sanitation services to all the villages and tribes in the commune.
Mr. Alassan Tsahirou, Mayor of Kornaka, Niger
As part of the project, the Town Council commissioned us to manufacture garbage cans and carts. This provided a significant source of funds, covering 70% of our expenses. It offered valuable practical experience and skills development, benefiting our young
trainees. This increased hands-on experience will enhance our trainees' employability.Issaka Soumaye, Director of the Kornaka Training Centre
