WaterAid has welcomed Dutch development charity Simavi to its global federation following a special event at Amsterdam’s famous Rijksmuseum, strengthening its mission to ensure everyone everywhere has clean water and good sanitation and hygiene.
The reception launching the new partnership on 13 November was attended by Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands and marked Simavi’s centenary with an exhibition of photographs showcasing its work over the last 100 years.
Simavi’s mission has been to work with communities in Asia and Africa to improve access to clean water and toilets, with a particular focus on enhancing the lives of women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by a lack of these essentials. Simavi has also been working to promote female leadership, as well as social and climate justice.
The decision to bring the Netherlands-based organisation and WaterAid together was made because of shared goals and values and similar ways of working. It also reflects the desire for more unified and collaborative action to tackle the world’s most pressing water and sanitation challenges.
Andrew McCracken, Global Director of WaterAid International, said:
“The global water crisis is a growing and urgent challenge, made even worse by climate change. One in ten people around the world still do not have access to clean water, and women and girls in Africa and Asia feel this impact the hardest.
“To solve a challenge of this scale, collective efforts are needed. That’s why I’m thrilled to confirm that Dutch development organisation Simavi is joining the global WaterAid family. WaterAid Netherlands will build on Simavi’s strong foundation of a century of experience in water, sanitation, and gender equality.”
Joint Director of Simavi, Veerle Ver Loren van Themaat, said:
“Simavi brings 100 years’ worth of knowledge and skills in water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as gender and climate. As WaterAid Netherlands we will contribute to water justice worldwide – accelerating WaterAid’s ability to deliver our mission globally.
“Together with the WaterAid family, we can make an even greater impact. We call on everyone to work with us towards a world in which everyone has access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. Change starts with water.”
The Dutch based organisation will be known as WaterAid Netherlands from March 2026 and will be joining seven federation members– the UK, the US, Canada, Sweden, India, Japan and Australia.