About Us

Nelis Nepal

Next Emerging Leaders Initiative for Sustainability Nepal (NELIS Nepal) is a youth led organization founded in February 2023. Our team and our board both represent youth of Nepal and beyond. At NELIS Nepal, we believe in the power of young people to drive meaningful change. Our organization was founded with a mission to empower youth, nurture their leadership potential, and provide opportunities to turn innovative ideas into impactful solutions. Through training and mentorship we equip emerging changemakers with the skills, tools, and resources needed to address pressing social and environmental challenges in Nepal and beyond.

 

Our Advisory Board

Basanta Shrestha

Basanta Shrestha, an esteemed professional with 32 years of dedicated service at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), held the distinguished position of Director of Strategic Cooperation. With a solid foundation in engineering and an extensive background in digital technologies, strategic partnership development, resource mobilization, and leadership, Mr. Shrestha has left an indelible mark on sustainable mountain development initiatives in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region and across the globe.

Mr. Shrestha co-founded the Mountain Environment and Resources Information System (MENRIS) program, pioneering the utilization of earth observation and geospatial technologies for sustainable mountain development. His stewardship has resulted in groundbreaking collaborations with NASA and USAID, notably through the SERVIR-Himalaya program, which bridges technology and innovation for reducing climate change impacts and addressing mountain development challenges.

Passionate about environmental conservation, Mr. Shrestha actively engages in promoting green technology for sustainable living. His dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation continues to inspire a new generation of leaders in Nepal and beyond. Inspired by nature, he is currently living in a Hamro Matoghar (mud house) at Godavari, Kathmandu, practicing an eco-conscious living to inspire youth towards future sustainability.

 

Our Board

Abhigya Malla

Abhigya Malla Thapa is a board member of Nelis Nepal. She represents the voice of youth and women in the hydropower construction and energy sector. Academically, Mrs. Malla is a professional accountant, possessing a degree of Masters in Professional Accountancy and Masters of Commerce in Finance from Macquarie University, Australia. Currently, she is utilizing her academic knowledge and prior work experience to the hydropower sector as the project developer and youth contractor. Mrs. Abhigya is learning and aspiring to develop hydropower projects and is associated as a Director with Union Mewa – 24 MW, Aayu Malung – 21 MW, Puwa Khola – 7 MW, Hongu Khola – 28.9 MW, Midim Khola – 3 MW and Upper Tamor A – 60 MW Hydro Power Projects. She has proven her work as the Vice President/Finance Controller of a hydro construction company named High Himalaya Hydro Construction Pvt Ltd (3HC) which is No.1 hydropower Construction Company in Nepal. In addition, she is managing director of Union Hydropower Public Ltd. Ms. Malla is dynamic and aims to continue the legacy in the hydro and construction sector for the betterment of Nepal. She is an inspiration for women and youth.

 

Damayanti Joshi

Damayanthi Joshi is a treasurer and board member of Nelis Nepal, with over 14 years of experience in leading commercial banks in Nepal, has spent much of her career as the Head of Human Resources. Driven by a passion for giving back to society, Ms. Joshi served for two years on the board of Maiti Nepal, an NGO dedicated to rescuing trafficked women and children and providing them with a better life.

In addition to her full-time job at the bank, she holds the position of Vice President on the Board of the Human Resources Society Nepal, a non-profit national level organization focused on empowering HR professionals across the country. Ms. Joshi is also the Joint Secretary on the Board of the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Metro, where she contributes to various community initiatives. Furthermore, she is an avid Toastmaster and serves as the Treasurer on the executive committee of the Shangrila Toastmasters Club.

Ms. Joshi is a firm believer in empowering today’s youth for a better tomorrow, and NELIS Nepal serves as a platform for young people to develop their skills and contribute to making the world a better place.

 

Harshana Shrestha

Harshana Shrestha is a board member of Nelis Nepal. She is an engineer by profession graduated from Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. In her leadership, she has led water supply and irrigation projects in Nepal and Bhutan. She has co-founded the One Million Leaders Asia (OMLAS) Fellowship Program. She is an advocate for nature based solutions. Through NELIS Nepal and OMLAS Fellowship Program, she is dedicated to empower and inspire next generation leaders in Asia.

 

Rajan Subedi

Rajan Subedi is a board member of Nelis Nepal. He is a young water professional possessing Masters in Environment Science. He works closely with the government of Nepal on water resource management sector across Nepal, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. He has managed projects like Transboundary Rivers of South Asia, Post-Earthquake Reconstruction (GBP 24M), Climate-Adaptive Planning, Disaster Risk Management, Safe Water for Pro-Poor, and COVID-19 Hygiene Response. He has contributed to key policies, including MSRLC (2016/17), LDCRP revision, DRR toolkits, and emergency preparedness plans. He has represented Nepal in several national and international forums including Young Water Professional Program hosted by International River Foundation, Australia.

 

Rashmi Kiran Shrestha

Rashmi Kiran Shrestha is an executive chairperson/board member of Nelis Nepal. She is trained in water resource management from UNESCO –IHE Delft, the Netherlands, and Anthropology from Nepal. She has been researcher for more than a decade in water-food-energy space. She has shared her research outcome and learnings in national and international forums.

After COVID 19, she made a career shift, and joined the One Million Sustainability Leaders movement. In 2022, she started the One Million Leaders Fellowship Asia (OMLAS) Program with the support of her team. Since 2022, she is leading OMLAS Fellowship Program.

In February 2023, she co-founded Next Emerging Leaders Initiative for Sustainability (NELIS) Nepal to provide opportunities for youth. Through NELIS Nepal and OMLAS Fellowship Program, she is dedicated to empower one million next generation sustainability leaders across Asia and the Pacific region. She believes that if next generation are provided opportunities, empowerment and inspiration, there is a hope for future of this planet.

Our Team

Oshan Thapa Magar

Oshan Thapa Magar, aged 23, is a graduate of Agriculture Science from Paklihawa Campus, Bhairahawa, Nepal. As an OMLAS Fellow 2024, he is passionate about indigenous seeds conservation and empowering small farmers. His goal is to enhance education quality and promote self-sufficiency, contributing to Nepal’s agricultural future. He is engaged in training schools students and farmers on conservation of indigenous seeds, soil health, and organic agriculture. His project on Indigenous Seed Conservation has been successful to establish community seed banks in two districts.

He joined Nelis Nepal from February 2025 as a Capacity Building Officer. He leads capacity building department, and organize trainings online and offline.

Diya Shrestha

Diya Shrestha, aged 20, belongs to Newar Indigenous community, and is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Computer Science. She is passionate about technology and creativity, she constantly explores new ways to enhance her skills.

As a Design and Documentation officer at Nelis Nepal, she leads social outreach department. She designs contents for social media post, flyers, posters, and documentation layouts, ensuring they are visually compelling and effectively communicate key messages. Besides this, she also gives technical support in online training sessions. This has connected her to youth from the Asia and Pacific region.

Diya takes pride in her Newari heritage, which is rich in art, culture, and traditions. Growing up in the Newar community, she has been influenced by its vibrant festivals, and unique cultural identity.

Beyond her professional work, Diya enjoys expressing her creativity through art in her free time. Whether sketching, painting, or crafting, she finds joy in creating visually captivating pieces. Her love for art further fuels her passion for design.

Biplop Swornakar

Biplop Swarnakar, aged 22, from Banke, Nepal, belongs to the Dalit (marginalized) community and is currently pursuing a B.Sc. in Agriculture at Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal.

He is a proud One Million Leaders Fellow in the OMLAS Fellowship Program from 2024, an experience that has been both inspiring and transformative, contributing significantly to his personal and professional growth. During this fellowship, he initiated a project called “Integrated Sustainable Initiative” aimed at producing eco-friendly paper from agricultural by-products. This initiative not only addresses agricultural waste management but also promotes sustainable alternatives to conventional paper production, reducing reliance on deforestation.

Since January 2025, Biplop has joined Nelis Nepal as Program Officer, further strengthening his commitment to youth empowerment for sustainability. He manages online training rooms and communication.

Bindu Gurung

Bindu Gurung, aged 22 belongs to Gurung indigenous community. Her indigenous heritage shapes her perspective, and she is deeply committed to elevating the educational opportunities and living standards within her community.

Professionally, she serves as an Accounts and Admin officer at NELIS Nepal. In this role, she leads account and admin department. Working at NELIS Nepal has provided her with valuable insights into sustainability and the importance of empowering young leaders.