To Nepal partners

Dear Nepal Partners, global and regional partners supporting Nepal, and colleagues,

I hope you are all doing well.

After thirteen immensely rewarding years at the Gates Foundation—and nearly twenty-five years before that in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WSH) sector—I have decided to step back and begin a new chapter. I will retire from the Gates Foundation at the end of this year and return to my hometown of Kathmandu to spend more time with my family and friends, especially my elderly mother.

When I joined the Foundation in 2012, sanitation efforts in South Asia were primarily focused on constructing toilets. The broader sanitation value chain was yet to gain recognition—viable business models were scarce, occupational safety received limited attention, and on-site systems functioned without structured support. NGOs were often expected to deliver toilets for underserved communities, while fecal sludge management (FSM) systems were virtually nonexistent, and development banks remained cautious about investing in non-sewered sanitation solutions.

Together, we have changed that narrative. Today, the dialogue has evolved to emphasize inclusive, sustainable, and safely managed sanitation for all. Governments are making significant investments, private sector participation is growing, and development banks are channeling substantial resources into inclusive sanitation. I am proud that our collective efforts have helped shape national policies, catalyzed the creation of the ADB Sanitation Trust Fund, and supported initiatives such as the Global Sanitation Graduate School (GSGS), the Global Water and Sanitation Center (GWSC), the Global Sanitation Center of Excellence (GSCOE), and several Regional Capacity Platforms and networks. These efforts are nurturing future sanitation leaders across Asia and Africa, with many cities emerging as hubs for inclusive sanitation learning.

In Nepal, the progress has been truly inspiring. The country’s success in institutionalizing FSM and Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) reflects a shared national commitment to achieving SDG 6.2. The endorsement of the institutional and regulatory framework, the establishment of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WSH) Regulatory Authority—the first of its kind in South Asia—and the formulation of progressive policies such as the Water Supply and Sanitation Act and Regulation (2025), the establishment of the Tariff Commission, and the development of the NWASH MIS platform mark a new era of governance and accountability. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Water Supply, with dedicated support from the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management (DWSSM) and its local partners, Nepal has built a strong in-house technical and institutional capacity. The activation of the Citywide Inclusive Sanitation Alliance Nepal (CWISAN), under the coordination of UN-Habitat, has further strengthened collaboration among municipalities, academia, NGOs, and private operators, creating a robust platform for knowledge exchange and coordinated action.

We have also witnessed extraordinary leadership from local elected representatives—especially Mayors and Deputy Mayors—whose active participation has been a hallmark of Nepal’s success. The Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN) has established strong coordination mechanisms and fostered opportunities for global learning and exchange, in collaboration with the United Cities Local Governance (UCLG) and other partners. Learning exchanges in Malaysia, India, and Bangladesh have inspired evidence-based approaches and practical innovations that are now embedded in Nepal’s sanitation systems. It is gratifying to see that several municipalities are emerging as learning centers for CWIS and FSM best practices, with some establishing Integrated Municipal Information Systems (IMIS) to improve sanitation governance and service delivery.

I would like to extend special appreciation to the Ministry of Water Supply for its vision and commitment—especially to the current and former Secretaries (Pramila Bajracharya, Mani Gelal, and Bhim P. Upadhya), Joint Secretaries, and dedicated senior officers from the ministry. My sincere thanks also to the dynamic local leaders who have championed sanitation in their municipalities, and to development partners, UN agencies (UNICEF, UN-Habitat and WHO), INGOs and NGOs (WaterAid, SNV, ENPHO, Lumanti, and SOPHEN), Academia (KU), private sector partners (ISPL, 500B, Eco concern, and Triangular solution), and media for establishing the CWISAN platform and advancing inclusive sanitation. I am equally grateful to FANSA for their work in strengthening civil society networks to advocate for equitable services, ensuring that the most marginalized are not left behind. Regional organizations—WaterLinks, Indah Water Malaysia, Dasra, ASCI, CWAS, NIUA, Athena, and ITN-BUET—have also played vital roles in supporting regulatory development, institutional capacity building, and knowledge curation. I must also acknowledge two tireless sector leaders, Suman Sharma and Sanjaya Adhikari, whose guidance and coordination efforts have been invaluable.

I have had the privilege of contributing to crucial non-sanitation work in Nepal during emergencies, including the 2015 Earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating floods. It has been an honor to support underprivileged communities through the Bill Gates Sr. Award fund that I received in 2023. I am profoundly grateful to our partners, including Nepal Rising – Seattle, Karmayogi Foundation, Dhulikhel Hospital, Teach For Nepal, ENPHO, and CIUD. These experiences have revealed the deep love and unwavering support from people in the US for Nepal, as well as the incredible potential of the Nepali Diaspora to aid the country in times of need.

At the Foundation, I owe deep gratitude to Brian Arbogast, our former Director, and Doulaye Kone, Director, for their unwavering support of our engagement in Nepal, and to my colleagues Alyse, Neelima, Raminta, and Melissa for their partnership and encouragement in advancing this shared mission.

Though I will be stepping away from my official role, my passion for this work remains steadfast. I look forward to continuing as a mentor and advisor, supporting innovation, policy development, and capacity building in the years ahead. Since I will be based primarily in Nepal, I hope to remain closely engaged with all of you in this ongoing journey.

My final day with the Foundation will be December 31, 2025. I am working closely with WSH Leadership, including Doulaye, Najib, and Sakshi, as well as the WSH team, to ensure a smooth transition. Sakshi Gudwani, who leads our programs in India and Asia, will continue to collaborate closely with you.

Thank you all for your friendship, trust, and inspiration. It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside each of you in advancing our shared vision of inclusive and sustainable sanitation for everyone. I hope to see many of you at the IWA Development Congress in Bangkok.

Please feel free to reach me at rrshrestha712@gmail.com starting January 1, 2026.