WICE Announces Major Restructuring to Lead Global Sustainable Development Transformation

WICE, a global organization founded in 1989 by conservationist Daan Vreugdenhil, has announced a significant restructuring of its mission, team, and operational model to usher in what it describes as a modern era of sustainable development. The organization aims to maintain its established legacy while expanding capabilities to address current global challenges through a redefined approach to development support.

The revitalized WICE will advance community-centered solutions across multiple sectors including health, nutrition, agriculture, food systems, artificial intelligence, ecotourism, energy and environment, education, economic development, blockchain technology, governance, partnerships, and humanitarian assistance. According to Emily Weeks, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of WICE USA, the transformation honors previous work while recognizing the urgent need for different approaches. Weeks, who previously worked at USAID, emphasized that the organization is blending decades of proven expertise with next-generation development strategies that prioritize local leadership and modern tools.

The restructured organization brings together more than 150 experts operating across more than 100 countries, with a collective track record that includes managing over $50 billion in government contracts, advising national leaders, partnering with more than 2,500 organizations, and delivering a century of combined results. WICE describes itself as an agile, decentralized consortium that emphasizes collaboration over competition, sharing skills and resources to deliver human-centered solutions at scale.

Dr. Ahmad Kablan, Ph.D., Vice President of WICE and another former USAID official, explained that what makes WICE uniquely different is its leadership role in transforming the global development landscape rather than simply adapting to changes. The organization is positioned at the forefront of advancing climate resilience, clean energy, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable infrastructure through collaborative frameworks that blend public and private capital.

This restructuring comes at a critical time when global development challenges require innovative approaches that can unlock billions in investment while ensuring sustainable outcomes. The organization's renewed focus on fostering partnership, investment, and co-design with local communities represents a significant shift in how development organizations approach long-term sustainability. Weeks stated that WICE is ready to lead what she described as a bold new beginning in development, emphasizing that the world needs all hands on deck to address pressing global issues. Additional information about the organization's new direction is available at www.wice.org.