Experts in Urban Development and Inclusive Solutions
We are a network of urban practitioners working to strengthen inclusive, demand-driven urban systems.
Traditional development projects often introduce externally designed solutions.
Our approach starts with locally-defined priorities and existing urban systems, ensuring solutions are grounded, realistic and sustainable.
In 2026, the collective of advisors operating previously under the name WASTE COOP renamed to the Collective for Inclusive Development (CfID)–a name that better reflects our way of working.
our story
How did we become champions of equitable, locally-led development?
We began as a network of urban practitioners, advisers and researchers who saw a gap in how development cooperation functions.
We were critical of how projects and solutions often overlooked people’s needs or ignored local constraints and focused heavily on KPIs over genuine systems change.
our principles
Demand-driven practice
Solutions start with people’s actual needs.
Co-creation
We help teams design their own strategies for lasting ownership.
collective knowledge
Insights from residents, practitioners and decision-makers inform and guide every step.
Meet The Collective
International, intergenerational, interdisciplinary.
The Collective is a cohort of technical experts, systems thinkers, community specialists, researchers, and policy experts dedicated to inclusive urban development with decades of experience.
Want to join The Collective? Get in touch and let’s see if we are a good fit
Alex Martín Rojas
Plastic Waste Manager Expert
Gert de Bruijne
Sanitation Expert
Henock Belete Asfaw
Biotech Engineer, Bio-Resources Recovery Expert, CfID Board Member
Ranna Abdulhadi
International Development Expert, PhD Candidate Inclusive Cities & Urban Housing, CfID Board Member
Stan Maessen
Feacal Sludge Management Expert, CfID Board Member
Sumeet Pawar
International Development Expert
Verele de Vreede
Solid Waste Advisor, CfID Board Member
Wahida Anjoom
Systems Transformation Expert in WASH, Climate Resilience & Regenerative Finance
