RET International

What RET International does

RET International is a Geneva-headquartered humanitarian non-governmental organization founded in 2000 by Sadako Ogata, the former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to address the gap in education and protection services for vulnerable youth and women in crisis, conflict, and fragile contexts. The organization delivers multi-sectoral programming spanning education, child and adult protection, livelihoods and economic empowerment, psychosocial support, health/WASH, disaster risk reduction, and peacebuilding, operating through a Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) triple nexus approach.

RET does not develop or sell proprietary technology products. Its "products" are programmatic initiatives (SAFE Belize, Komeza WIGE, NYIZERE NIGE, +DIVERSIDAD, COMPARTIMOS+, EstudiANDO, RECOM, Leap Natural Brands) delivered through 15+ direct country offices and a localization partner network (GATE Lebanon, LEAP Türkiye, ACPEJ DRC, SongES Niger, ALPHALOG/REFOR Mali). The organization has implemented 467 projects across 35 countries, reaching 2.5 million direct program participants over 25 years.

RET's business model is cost-reimbursement grant funding from institutional donors. Primary revenue streams are UN agency contracts (UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO, IOM, WHO, OCHA), ECHO and government development agencies (BMZ, FCDO, BPRM, USAID), Education Cannot Wait pooled funds, plus private philanthropy routed through RET Americas (US 501(c)(3)) and RET Germany. Cumulative funding raised and channeled exceeds USD 250 million. The organization implements donor-funded projects either directly or via local partners, with no commercial pricing model — it sells nothing to its ultimate beneficiaries (refugees, IDPs, host community members), who receive services free of charge.

Name

RET International

Legal name

RET International

Website

https://theret.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

RET International is a Geneva-headquartered NGO that implements education, protection, and livelihoods programs for vulnerable youth and women across 35 countries, funded by UN agencies, government donors, and foundations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Humanitarian Aid Services

NAICS

Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Individual and Family Services (6241), Educational Support Services (611710), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPADAEAK

Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Development & Technical Assistance

SECONDARYBPAGAAAK

Disaster Recovery, Reconstruction & Resilience Programs

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Relief

SECONDARYBPADAFAL

Post-Conflict Recovery, Reconciliation & Social Cohesion Programs

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Peacekeeping, Conflict Resolution & Security Cooperation

SECONDARYBPADADAJ

Early Recovery & Rapid Rehabilitation (Debris Removal, Repairs, Livelihood Restart)

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Humanitarian Relief & Emergency Response

SECONDARYBPADABAH

Peace, Security Sector Reform & Stabilization Programs

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Bilateral Development Agencies & Aid Programs

Keywords

• Humanitarian aid services
• Education in emergencies
• Refugee protection programs
• Disaster risk reduction
• Humanitarian development peace

Headquarters

HQ city

Geneva

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Institutional Donor Funding: Primary revenue stream from institutional donors including UN agencies (UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO, IOM, WHO, OCHA), European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), government development agencies (BMZ, FCDO, BPRM), and multilateral mechanisms like Education Cannot Wait. Over 22 years, RET has raised and channeled over USD 250 million from the international community.
2. Private Philanthropy: Funding from private sector foundations, corporations, and individual donors. RET Americas raises funds from US, Canadian, and Central/South American private sources. The organization is registered as a 501(c)(3) in the US enabling tax-deductible donations.
3. Program Implementation Fees: RET earns fees for implementing donor-funded projects as an implementing partner. Projects span multiple sectors including education, protection, livelihoods, health, and disaster risk management across 15+ country offices.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

RET International delivers multi-sectoral protection and education programs for vulnerable youth, women, refugees, and displaced populations in crisis and fragile contexts across 35+ countries. Under a Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) triple nexus approach, the organization implements education, protection, livelihoods, health/WASH, disaster risk reduction, and peacebuilding programs directly and through local civil society partners. Programs are funded by institutional donors including UN agencies, government development agencies, foundations, and private philanthropy, with over USD 250 million channeled to vulnerable communities over 22 years.

Product overview

RET International (Resilience, Empowerment, Transformation) is a humanitarian NGO founded in 2000 that provides multi-sectoral protection and education programs for vulnerable populations in crisis and conflict zones. The organization does not offer a traditional technology product but implements various programmatic initiatives including education programs (SAFE Belize, Komeza WIGE, NYIZERE NIGE, +DIVERSIDAD, COMPARTIMOS+, EstudiANDO), protection and social cohesion initiatives through local partners (LEAP in Türkiye, GATE Lebanon, ACPEJ in DRC), livelihood and economic empowerment programs (Leap Natural Brands), and climate resilience initiatives (RECOM). Programs are delivered through strategic partnerships with UN agencies, local organizations, and government bodies across 35+ countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LEAP Natural: A cooperative organization established with RET's assistance in Türkiye, promoting crafted natural products handmade by women and providing sustainable income generation.
• SAFE Belize
• Komeza WIGE
• EstudiANDO

Products and services

• SAFE Belize

Quantifiable outcome

• 2.5 million program participants directly impacted over 25 years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• R4V Platform (Plataforma de Coordinación Interagencial para Refugiados y Migrantes de Venezuela)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Co-led by UNHCR and IOM, R4V coordinates 200+ organizations across 17 countries. RET co-leads Education sector with UNHCR and participates in Protection Sector Groups (VBG, Child Protection, Support Spaces Working Group).
• Global Education ClustersupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Member of Strategic Advisory Committee since 2017. Works toward predictable, equitable, well-coordinated education response in crises.
• RET Americas (RET USA, Inc.)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Washington D.C. since 2005. Member of RET Alliance covering Latin America and Caribbean. Raises funding from US, Canadian, and regional sources. Draws on RET's institutional expertise.
• UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing implementing partner. RET works with UNHCR to protect refugees, provide assistance, and support durable solutions. In Burundi, implements DAFI scholarship program. UNHCR coordinates R4V platform for Venezuelan refugees/migrants across 17 countries in Latin America and Caribbean.
• UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner providing child protection, education, and humanitarian assistance. Co-led Education Working Group with UNESCO in Ecuador. Supports programs across Latin America, Caribbean, and other regions.
• UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for development programs and sustainable solutions in crisis and fragile contexts.
• UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-leads Education Working Group alongside UNICEF in Ecuador as part of Working Group for Migrants and Refugees (GTRM). Partner on education in emergencies programming.
• UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting reproductive health programs and protection services for women and youth in humanitarian contexts.
• IOM (International Organization for Migration)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-leads R4V platform with UNHCR for Venezuelan refugee/migrant response. Supports migration management and assistance programs across Latin America and Caribbean.
• Education Cannot Wait (ECW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRET is member of Executive Committee, Educational Technical Task Team, and Civil Society Organizations Northern Group. Implements Multi-Year Resilience Programs in Ecuador, Peru, and other countries. First global fund dedicated to education in emergencies.
• WHO (World Health Organization)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for health sector programming including reproductive health, psychosocial support, and health system strengthening in humanitarian contexts.
• OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUN humanitarian coordination body supporting disaster response and coordination mechanisms in crisis contexts.
• GATE LebanoncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal implementing partner in Lebanon since 2013. Works on protection, food security, and nutrition projects for vulnerable women and youth. Manages Akkar project with RET Germany. Assists with municipal police equipment and civil defense coordination.
• LEAP Türkiye (Local Empowerment for Action & Performance)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerImplementing partner in Türkiye since 2014. Focuses on protection, social cohesion, language courses, and entrepreneurship programs. Operates Leap Natural Brands cooperative for women entrepreneurs. Manages projects across Mardin, Şanlıurfa, Ankara, and Samsun.
• ACPEJ (Actions des Ex-Combattants Pour l'Encadrement des Jeunes)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal partner in eastern DRC. Deploys programs demobilizing child soldiers and providing rehabilitation. Helps ex-combatants find new paths through vocational training and community reintegration.
• SongES NigersupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal partner building capacity of community-based organizations in Tillabéri region. Supports girls' education and women's empowerment programs.
• Global Refugee ForumsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRET participates in UNHCR's Global Refugee Forum, working primarily in education and durable solutions sectors.
• INEE (Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSteering Committee member since 2001. Co-chaired with World Bank and IRC (2012-2016). RET instrumental in developing Minimum Standards for Education in Emergencies, launched in Geneva with UNESCO and UNHCR.
• Compact for Young People in Humanitarian ActionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal call to prioritize needs and rights of young people affected by disasters, conflict, and forced displacement. Includes governments, UN entities, NGOs, private sector, and youth organizations.
• ICVA (International Council of Voluntary Agencies)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal network of NGOs working to make humanitarian action more principled and effective. Founded 1962.
• GADRRRES (Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Educational Sector)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnsures safety of children and adults in learning facilities. Created Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022-2030 used globally.
• ALPHALOG and REFOR MalisupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal civil society organizations collaborating with RET in Mali. Government agencies and training centers also partner on vocational training and agricultural programs.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mercy Corps: Mercy Corps merges humanitarian response with longer-term development across fragile contexts — very similar to RET's triple-nexus approach and target population of crisis-affected youth and women. Comparable geographic footprint and donor base make it one of the closest functional peers.
• Relief International: Relief International is a mid-sized INGO providing multi-sectoral humanitarian and development programs in fragile states, often through local partnerships — closely matching RET's operating model, size tier, and country portfolio. The two are frequently shortlisted together on UN framework agreements.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC): The IRC delivers emergency relief, education, and protection programming for refugees and displaced populations across crisis-affected countries — closely comparable to RET's humanitarian-development-peace mandate and beneficiary base. RET has even co-chaired the INEE Steering Committee with the IRC and World Bank, evidencing deep peer overlap.
• Right To Play: Right To Play uses sport and play to protect and educate children in crisis and conflict settings — overlapping RET's youth empowerment and education-in-emergencies mandate in fragile states. Comparable UN-agency partnerships and education-sector positioning.
• War Child: War Child focuses on the protection, education, and psychosocial well-being of children affected by armed conflict — directly comparable to RET's youth-focused education and protection programs in conflict-affected countries like DRC, Mali, and Nigeria.
• Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC): NRC delivers assistance, protection, and durable solutions for refugees and IDPs across displacement contexts — highly comparable to RET's protection, education, and livelihoods programming for displaced youth and families. Comparable institutional donor relationships and field operating model.

Emerging players

• Refugees International: Refuges International focuses on advocacy and field-based research for displaced populations — closely aligned with RET's refugee and IDP mandate, though operating primarily as an advocacy rather than direct-implementation organization, making it a partial-overlap peer.

Broad incumbents

• CARE International: CARE combines emergency response with women's empowerment and long-term development — overlapping RET's women-focused protection, livelihoods, and economic empowerment work in fragile contexts while operating at a meaningfully larger scale.
• World Vision International: World Vision delivers large-scale humanitarian assistance, child sponsorship, and education programming across fragile contexts — comparable to RET's child/youth-focused protection and education agenda, but at materially greater scale and with broader private donor reach.
• Save the Children: Save the Children is a far larger INGO operating a global portfolio of education, protection, and humanitarian response programs — serving overlapping populations (crisis-affected children and youth) but with materially deeper resources and brand recognition than RET.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/theRETorg
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCXq2Un0zKcU5VZS5Rdm4uLw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ret-international

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments1 record

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Frequently asked questions about RET International