In a momentous ceremony, Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, a distinguished figure in environmental and sanitation fields, was honored with the prestigious ‘Bill Gates Senior Award 2023’ by Bill and Melinda Gates’ This recognition sets him apart among all employees of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “The Bill Gates Sr. Award was created within the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to honor the legacy and values of Bill Gates Sr., as Bill and Melinda Gates envisioned. It aims to perpetuate his inspiring influence within the foundation by recognizing the behaviors he exemplified. This award highlights the importance of integrity, hard work, kindness, and dedication to inclusive and impactful actions. Recipients of this award are those who not only exceed expectations but also actively engage in community building and embody the foundation’s values of optimism, collaboration, rigor, innovation, and inclusion.
With over 35 years of expertise on environment, water, and sanitation sector Dr. Shrestha has been engaged at the Gates Foundation since 2012. The award, accompanied by charitable hundred-thousand-dollar prize, not only applauds Dr. Shrestha’s past achievements but also highlights his ongoing commitment in the sector that he is working on. The entire award money will be donated to an organization who carries some brilliant ideas embedded with human values and behavior.
About Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha: A Leader in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Dr. Shrestha, currently Deputy Director at the Gates Foundation, has significantly impacted water, sanitation, and hygiene (WSH) sectors in the global south. His career includes leadership at UN-Habitat and founding an organization Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) in 1990.
In addition to his impactful global contributions, Dr. Shrestha, who was formerly based in Seattle, played a pivotal role on the board of the Nepal Seattle Society from 2019 to 2022. His noteworthy leadership within the Health Committee stands out, as he spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising COVID-19 awareness in underserved minority communities. This significant project was made possible through a government grant, highlighting Dr. Shrestha’s dedication to promoting health equity.
Collaborating closely with Dr. Maya Magarati and receiving wholehearted support from the Board, Dr. Shrestha’s leadership helped bring this project to life. The initiative not only underscored his commitment to public health but also showcased the power of collective action within the Nepal Seattle Society.
The Nepal Seattle Society expresses profound gratitude for Dr. Shrestha’s philanthropic spirit and his unwavering commitment to serving the community, regardless of his geographical location. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our organization, embodying the values of compassion, leadership, and community service.
