WICE Unveils Bold Restructuring, Reclaiming Role in Future of Global Development

Legacy Reimagined: A New Era of Innovative, Locally-Led and Market-Driven Solutions for Global Impact

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 2, 2025 – WICE, a global organization originally founded in 1989 by world-renowned conservationist Daan Vreugdenhil, today announced a bold restructuring and revitalization of its mission, team, and model, ushering in a new era of sustainable development through a modernized, agile lens. 

The organization builds on more than 30 years of global impact, maintaining WICE’s trusted legacy while expanding to meet today’s challenges head-on.

With a sharpened mission and an expanded global footprint, WICE will advance innovative, community-centered solutions across key development sectors, including global health and nutrition, agriculture and food systems, artificial intelligence, ecotourism, energy solutions and the environment, education, economic development and blockchain, policy and governance, public and private sector partnerships and humanitarian assistance.

“This transformation honors the work that came before us while recognizing the urgency to do more, and to do it differently,” said Emily Weeks, Ph.D., President of WICE. “We’re blending decades of proven expertise with next-generation approaches to development that center people, prioritize local leadership, and embrace modern tools, and financing mechanisms.”

The newly restructured organization combines the credibility of its legacy with a high-impact operating model. With more than 100 top-tier experts and a network spanning more than 100 countries, the team has:

• Managed and procured large government contracts, collectively more than $50 billion

• Worked directly with presidents, ministers, and national leaders

• Partnered with more than 2,500 private sector and in-country organizations

• Delivered more than 100 years of combined results in collaboration with the U.S. government and global institutions

• Proven capacity to rapidly mobilize on-the-ground professionals in any region

This is not just a rebrand; it’s a reimagining.

WICE is structured as an agile, decentralized, mission-driven collective operating on principles of collaboration over competition, using a consortium-style model that shares skills and resources to deliver tailored, human-centered solutions at scale – a model that invites new forms of partnership, innovative investment, and co-design with local communities, doing development with people, not for them.

“What we're really focused on is creating innovative and inclusive solutions to global challenges — making sure health, ecosystems, and livelihoods can thrive, that local capacity is leading the way, and that sustainable development actually delivers a prosperous, equitable, and resilient future for everyone,” said Dr. Ahmad Kablan, Ph.D., Vice President of WICE, said.

“What makes WICE uniquely different is that we are not just adapting to the evolving global development landscape — we are helping lead its transformation. As the sector moves toward a new paradigm of collaborative frameworks that blend public and private capital to unlock billions in investment, WICE stands at the forefront, advancing climate resilience, clean energy, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable infrastructure.”

WICE’s practitioner-led model combines a global network with deep local expertise to deliver scalable, market-driven solutions that go beyond traditional aid, generating measurable returns, fostering long-term resilience, and centering equity, sustainability, and local leadership.

“We are re-defining development - creating a bold new beginning. The world needs all hands on deck, and we are ready to lead,” Dr. Weeks said.

Whether it's a government agency, foundation, investor, implementing partner, or grassroots organization, WICE offers multiple pathways for engagement. Partners can collaborate on proposals or co-funding opportunities, tap into WICE’s expert management teams for strategic project leadership, or support its next-generation development model - one that is market-driven solutions that move beyond traditional aid models, generating measurable returns and long-term resilience.

ABOUT WICE

Founded in 1989 by renowned conservationist Dr. Daan Vreugdenhil, WICE is dedicated to advancing sustainable development and inclusive solutions across critical international development sectors.

WICE is a bold, next-generation global development institute creating innovative and inclusive solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges. With a focus on thriving health systems, ecosystems, and livelihoods — and a deep commitment to local leadership — WICE ensures that sustainable development delivers a prosperous, equitable, and resilient future for all. What began as a pioneering environmental organization has now evolved into a dynamic force for transformative global impact.

With a commitment to a healthier planet, stronger communities, and a sustainable future, WICE provides leadership in integrating environmental stewardship, health, and economic development, empowering local populations, especially youth, to lead balanced, resilient, and thriving lives and ecosystems for generations to come.

Learn more at www.wice.org.