IRC Annual Report 2025

The 2025 Annual Report reflects IRC's continued commitment to supporting countries to build resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene systems that deliver lasting services and advance equity, justice, and opportunity for all. In a year marked by major disruption to the global aid architecture, IRC reaffirmed its systems strengthening approach - working across local, national, and global levels to contribute to sustained improvements in services and institutions, while emphasising contribution over attribution.

The report highlights IRC's global reach and results, including 1.3 million people with at least basic water services and 561,000 with basic sanitation in partner areas. Across 13 partner areas in 9 focus countries - and engagement in over 20 additional countries - IRC continued to strengthen planning, financing, governance, and accountability systems. Notable achievements include the signing of Presidential Compacts, the development of 58 district water and sanitation master plans covering more than 15 million people, and measurable improvements in system performance across countries.

The WASH Systems Academy expanded its role as a global platform for capacity development, with over 5,800 learners and a growing portfolio of courses on climate resilience, inclusion, and systems leadership. In parallel, IRC deepened its influence through partnerships such as the One For All alliance, and advanced its systems leadership agenda through global convening, research, and political engagement.

Despite financial challenges following the dismantling of USAID, IRC maintained a near break-even position while continuing its transition towards a decentralised, locally led network. This transition, culminating in the launch of Riva, reflects a long-term shift towards nationally rooted organisations working collectively to drive systemic change.

The report concludes with financial statements, governance updates, and a forward-looking perspective on IRC's evolving role as a trusted advisor to governments and partners. It underscores the importance of collective action and systems leadership in achieving universal access to safe water and sanitation, and features voices from across the network that highlight the gradual but sustained progress of systems change.