In 2017, Reto sought a more impactful direction, returning to INSEAD for the Social Entrepreneurship Programme (ISEP). Originally ISEP, now known as the Hans Wahl Impact Entrepreneurship Programme, co-directed by Professor Jasjit Singh and Dr Katell Le Goulven, is the flagship programme of INSEAD’s Social Impact Initiative and brings business knowledge to those who are committed to serving society through for- and- non-profit organisations that are aligned with an impact goal.
Recognising the profound impact of inadequate sanitation on over 3.5 billion people worldwide – including half of all schools in the developing world – Reto and his wife founded Toilets for All, a Swiss foundation, in late 2019. Initially broad in scope, the foundation now focuses on sustainable, low-maintenance sanitation solutions for schools lacking sewage access.
Their approach emphasises circular, resource-oriented solutions by local entrepreneurs, demonstrated by their success in installing sanitation systems in 36 schools across six countries, benefiting 14,000 students. This includes biogas production from the waste that can then be used for cooking and fertiliser for agriculture, addressing broader issues beyond hygiene.
Reto's work underscores the transformative power of sanitation on education, dignity and economic opportunity. He advocates for community-driven solutions, involving locals in the maintenance and development of facilities, believing sustainable impact arises from local empowerment combined with global know-how.
Beyond implementing solutions, Toilets for All actively shares knowledge through platforms like https://sanitation-sdg.com and wash4schools.com, promoting broader understanding and collaboration on sanitation-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Reto's commitment extends to board memberships with VaLoo and cewas, Swiss organisations promoting resource-oriented sanitation and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) entrepreneurship in Africa and Latin America, through a holistic and systemic approach. At global summits, such as ChangeNOW in Paris – a global summit for impact founded by two INSEAD alumni - he champions breaking taboos around sanitation, framing toilets as a fundamental human right and catalyst for public health, environmental progress and human dignity while at the same highlighting the huge business opportunities it represents.
In essence, Reto Wey’s journey exemplifies the potential of impact entrepreneurship to address critical global challenges. By prioritising community collaboration, sustainable solutions and advocacy, he drives meaningful change, highlighting the broader impacts of accessible sanitation on human dignity and environmental sustainability.
