Published on: 18/09/2024
For the September 2024 issue of Amplify, we celebrate the retirement of its long-time compiler and editor, Cor Dietvorst, at the end of a Stakhanovite 41-year career!
In doing so, we acknowledge the remarkable contributions he has made to IRC and the WASH sector. As the testimonials and links below demonstrate, Cor has been a dedicated advocate for justice, equity, and inclusion throughout his career. Particularly in the realms of sanitation (and exposing inequities in access to sanitation) as well as addressing corruption in the water sector and, above all, ensuring accessibility of information. His unwavering commitment to the rights of the most vulnerable and to decolonising information are central to what is best about IRC.
For over four decades Cor has been the custodian of IRC's (and the WASH sector's) knowledge; ensuring that crucial information flows freely to those who need it most. His efforts have shaped the evolution of IRC's knowledge base, spanning our transition from custodian of a physical library to today's more virtual (and accessible) website and social media presence. Over time he edited or was involved in key IRC information products from Source Weekly (a pioneering e-newsletter) and Source Bulletin to, more recently, Amplify. His commitment to lowering the barriers to accessing information have made him a passionate advocate of open-source as well as an early and consistent adopter of electronic channels. One of his last projects at IRC was looking at how to incorporate AI into IRC's knowledge base to make it even more accessible and relevant.
Colleagues across the globe, from ministers to grassroots activists, have felt and appreciated the impact of his work. Whether curating vital information or challenging the status quo with bold yet thoughtful insights, Cor's presence has been transformative.
This editorial for the special edition of our Amplify newsletter highlights Cor's remarkable tenure and features his personally selected IRC-favourite articles and a collection of pieces he himself has written, curated by IRC colleagues and sector collaborators in honour of his retirement.
During a visit to the IRC office in 2019, a senior staff member from the African Ministers' Council on Water was introduced to Cor in passing as he met various IRC staff. He went over eagerly to shake Cor's hand like he was meeting a Minister or a president. ''I thought Cor Dietvorst was an entire institution! I have been seeing your name for years. You mean all that information and those letters over the years were coming from you, an individual man, and not even a huge one at that?!" He went on to speak about the incredible opportunities and resources he had discovered reading Source and later Amplify. ''Your newsletter showed me I was part of a much bigger sector, it is a real service that you have done in curating and sharing the top work and most innovative ideas in the sector over the years. It showed us all we should reach higher.''
Cor has been the librarian of the global WASH sector for nearly a generation. Thanks to him, we have been kept informed on not just what is new but what is important, and thanks to him the IRC website remains a unique treasure trove of rare documents. I'll never forget when I was searching the Skat archives in vain for one of our own reports from the 1980s. I couldn't find it anywhere on our internal server, in our physical archive in the attic, nor our library in the basement – but Lo! I need not have feared because somehow Cor had got hold of a copy at some point, scanned it and uploaded it to the IRC library.
Thanks, mate, you're a star! We've only met a couple of times in person, but I am always impressed by his depth of knowledge and his willingness to help others find and digest the information he curated. He has frequently posted on RWSN dgroups to point our members to relevant resources and publications and I think that has really been appreciated. He has also been vocal on decolonialising WASH knowledge and back in September 2020, he sent me a great synthesis of the debate and the resources on the topic and we worked on how to push the debate further towards positive action. This was valuable because while we might be tempted to replace his information management role with an AI chatbot, such tools can only ever be passive and reactive, but a good knowledge manager understands the difference between information, knowledge and wisdom – and also knows when to lead and take the initiative. Cor has been one of the best. I wish him a very happy retirement, but I will miss him.
- Sean Furey, Director of the Rural Water Supply Network
A selection of impactful stories curated by Cor Dietvorst. We asked Cor to share a list of some of his personal favourites shared in our networks over the years.
Top pieces written by or guided by Cor. We asked colleagues to highlight some of Cor's unique contributions and articles over the years. These illustrate Cor's passions and the impact of writing on sector progress and evolution.
"Back in 2006, Cor was a key member of a team that tackled corruption in the water and sanitation sector. This effort, co-authored with IRC colleagues under Kathy Shordt's leadership, led to a partnership with Transparency International and the formation of the Water Integrity Network.
This network later became an independent organisation championing integrity in the sector. Cor also represented IRC on the WIN board and maintained a passionate interest in the issue."
- John Butterworth, IRC 
Read: About Corruption and Transparency in the Water and Sanitation Sector by Kathleen Shordt, Laurent Stravato, Cor Dietvorst
"Cor has long been an ethical watchdog for IRC and the entire sector. Within IRC, Cor has advocated for gender and youth empowerment, ensuring inclusive, just processes aligned with IRC's values. He has championed increased remuneration for interns, been a member of IRC's internal Gender, Diversity and Inclusion task force, and IRC's Works Council. He has promoted decolonisation of the WASH sector and knowledge management, highlighting issues since 1994 and organising internal presentations to accelerate progress within IRC. "
- Angela Huston Gold, IRC 
Read: Doing the right thing & Information on Water and Sanitation: who needs it ? by Cor Dietvorst, IRC
During my internship, Cor was an exemplary mentor, demonstrating attentiveness and providing encouragement. He consistently provided detailed feedback, fostering significant improvement in my work. His trust in my abilities as an intern made me feel valued and inspired to tackle more challenging tasks. His meticulous focus on details sharpened my precision in tasks. Importantly, his constant encouragement motivated me to step out of my comfort zone, revealing new skills. He cultivated an environment where I felt at ease asking questions and seeking advice, pivotal to my growth. His dedication to my development was evident, making my internship an invaluable learning experience.
- Meheret Mandefro 
Read: How AI can transform IRC's work: an intern's experience by Meheret Mandefro
"Cor's knowledge sharing has always been invaluable to me, especially the lists of research publications and global WASH events. I particularly enjoyed his blog 'Pay the price: what does Loss and Damage mean for WASH?'. I wish Cor all the best and appreciate the wealth of knowledge he has documented, which will benefit us and the WASH sector for years to come."
- Michael Abera, IRC Ethiopia 
Read: Pay the price: what does Loss and Damage mean for WASH? by Cor Dietvorst
Cor's article on "Decolonising the WASH Sector" stands out as a testament to his courage and conviction. His work consistently challenged the status quo, advocating for systemic change with a unique blend of boldness and empathy.
- Vera van der Grift 
Read: Decolonising the WASH sector by Cor Dietvorst
"Knowledge sharing is an important driver for Cor, which is why he set up KnowledgePoint together with other sector organisations. It is a web-based enquiry service for sector queries and a space to share experience and information. He also co-founded and co-edited together with Dan Campbell the Sanitation Updates blog, which ran successfully from 2008-2011. The Bollywood blog is a highlight because it was also a great extended team outing."
- Tettje van Daalen, IRC 
Read: Is Bollywood's Pad Man movie too good to be true? by Cor Dietvorst
At IRC we have strong opinions and we value honest and frank discussion, so you won't be surprised to hear that not all the opinions on this site represent our official policy.
Cor has been the librarian of the global WASH sector for nearly a generation
Sean Furey
Cor's knowledge sharing has always been invaluable to me, especially the lists of research publications and global WASH events
Michael Abera, IRC Ethiopia
Cor's article on "Decolonising the WASH Sector" stands out as a testament to his courage and conviction
Vera van der Grift
Cor was a key member of a team that tackled corruption in the water and sanitation sector.
John Butterworth
Cor has long been an ethical watchdog for IRC and the entire sector
Angela Huston Gold
