Who we are
Riva Asia - our story
Who we are
Riva Asia is the platform through which Riva's members carry out work together regionally. Riva is an international network of local systems leaders driving change that transforms lives through resilient national systems and public services. The global majority resides in Asia, with many still without access to strong public services. Asia is diverse and its challenges multiple. We are trusted advisors to nation builders in Asia – the political leaders, decision makers, wealth generators and citizens who are remaking the systems that shape people’s lives. Locally led and globally connected, our network draws on more than fifty years’ experience in international development and on the knowledge, relationships and trust we have built here over the years.
Where we came from
Riva has been active in Asia for over four decades, beginning as IRC, an international development agency. Initially, our projects were managed from the IRC headquarters in the Netherlands before we established a stronger presence on the ground. Today, our teams in Delhi, India, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, bring together a unique blend of grassroots engagement and policy advocacy expertise.
In 2022, we consolidated our work across different countries in Asia under a single regional platform, strengthening our ability to collaborate, learn and create impact across borders. We continue to work directly with governments, communities and partners across South Asia, and we are now a member of the Riva network.
The work that shapes us
Our work has been shaped by a commitment to strengthening the systems that underpin sustainable services. We help to strengthen planning, financing and monitoring capacities, while focusing on the conditions required to ensure services that are inclusive, resilient and reach everyone. We continuously reflect, adapt and improve our approaches as contexts evolve.
Our activities span national, state, district and sub-district levels, across both urban and rural settings. Building on this experience, we are expanding our role as a regional think-and-do tank across South Asia, focusing on institutional strengthening, national and state partnerships, and strategic advisory assignments that help accelerate progress towards sustainable services.