In memory of Ronald Sanabria
It is with profound sadness that we remember our dear colleague and friend, Ronald Sanabria, who passed away on July 1, 2026.
Ronald was a truly exceptional human being. He dedicated his life and work to making the world a better place for people and the environment, driven by a deep sense of purpose, justice, and compassion. His commitment to the Living Wage agenda was complete, and his contribution to our mission at IDH was extraordinary.
Those who had the privilege of working with Ronald will remember not only his intelligence and expertise, but also his kindness, humility, and sensitivity. He was a deeply caring person, generous with his time and unwavering in his support for others. Selfless by nature, he never sought recognition for his achievements, even though his impact was great.
The team at IDH is profoundly grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside Ronald for many years. He was one of the key architects of our Living Wage work, helping to shape and build the agenda from its earliest days into what it is today. We would simply not be where we are without him.
Ronald played a pivotal role in finalising the first version of the Salary Matrix and continued to develop it over the years into the widely used tool it has become. He was also instrumental in bringing and keeping partners together around the Roadmap on Living Wages, aligning diverse stakeholders around a shared ambition and collective action.
For many years, Ronald also led IDH's work with Dutch retailers in the banana sector, helping supermarkets align on a common methodology for measuring Living Wage gaps. He believed deeply in collaboration to improve workers' livelihoods while reducing the burden on producers and avoiding unnecessary duplication of efforts across supply chains. Through his leadership, stakeholders found practical pathways to address wage gaps and drive meaningful progress.
What made Ronald so effective was not only his expertise, but his ability to bring people together. Ronald understood the power of relationships. He built trust, fostered dialogue, and created consensus where others saw differences. He was a true bridge-builder.
It was incredibly difficult to say goodbye to Ronald during IDH's reorganisation last year. Yet, his dedication to the cause never wavered, and his influence continues to be felt throughout the work he helped create. Even after leaving IDH, he remained an essential part of the Living Wage community, continuing to support and strengthen the work in other capacities.
The loss of Ronald is felt deeply by all who knew him. We have lost a brilliant colleague, a humble and compassionate friend, and a deeply committed champion for workers and sustainable value chains. His legacy will live on in the Living Wage movement, in the partnerships he nurtured, and in the countless lives touched by his work.
Ronald will be remembered with deep gratitude, admiration, and affection. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones. He will be deeply missed.
At a later date, IDH intends to celebrate Ronald’s remarkable contributions to the Living Wage movement together with our partners, reflecting on the enduring legacy of his work and the foundations he helped build.
