Thank you Roshan!

With Gratitude and Pride: A Journey of Partnership and Purpose – Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha

As Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha embarks on a new chapter beyond the Gates Foundation, we reflect on his remarkable journey as a pioneer and a tireless champion for global sanitation.

Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha – an inspiring leader with endless energy, co-founder of the Global Sanitation Graduate School (GSGS), strategic adviser, a genuine partner, and great friend – leaves an indelible mark. It is difficult to encapsulate Roshan’s profound impact in just a few words. For years, he has been a driving force in the Foundation’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WSH) program, advocating tirelessly for the billions of people worldwide who lack access to safe sanitation. He has been a beacon in our collective journey toward a sanitation revolution, possessing a rare blend of technical expertise and a heartfelt understanding of the human need for dignity and health. His contributions extended beyond funding projects; they were about fostering an entire ecosystem of sustainable change. He leaves a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and, most importantly, tangible progress. 

Perhaps one of his most enduring achievements, and one that resonates deeply with all of us, is his vision and leadership in establishing the Global Sanitation Graduate School. Roshan recognized that to create lasting change, we needed to invest in the next generation of sanitation leaders, engineers, and policymakers. He helped build a platform, in partnership with institutions like IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and others, to provide high-quality education and research opportunities in faecal sludge management and non-sewered sanitation. This work was later embedded within the City-wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) initiative, an approach he helped bring from the fringes to the mainstream global agenda. Thanks to Roshan and colleagues, CWIS is now recognized as a critical component of comprehensive sanitation solutions, and as such represents a backbone of the GSGS. The thousands of students who have passed through the GSGS, and those who will follow, are a testament to his foresight. They are his living legacy, carrying his vision forward to make the world a healthier place. 

Roshan is a perfect example of how “one star changes its place but not its brightness.” He is stepping into a new phase of life, but we know his passion will remain undimmed. His influence will continue to light the path for the sanitation sector for decades to come.

Roshan, your dedication, your warmth, and your relentless pursuit of a better world have inspired us all. Thank you for your leadership, mentorship, and friendship, and for everything you did for GSGS. We are thrilled to continue having you as an active member of our Governing Board and Strategic Advisor. We wish you all the very best in this new chapter of your life. May it be filled with joy, new adventures, and continued impact.

Cheers to you, Roshan!