Bridging Leadership and Emerging Philanthropy: Reflections from a recent visit to Nepal

Last month, Synergos President & CEO - Camille Massey and Asia Lead for GPC - Manisha Shah traveled to Nepal to participate in a dialogue on strengthening public–private–philanthropic partnerships in the country. The visit brought together leaders from across sectors to explore how collaborative leadership can help address complex social challenges and unlock new pathways for inclusive development.

For Synergos, the visit was part of an ongoing effort to support leaders who are working to bridge divides and build partnerships that enable systemic change. Nepal—rich in community leadership, social innovation, and civic engagement—offered a powerful setting for these conversations.

The delegation participated in a cross-sector dialogue that brought together changemakers from government, civil society, business, and philanthropy. Organized with the support of National Centre for Philanthropy and Development (NCPD) and led by Rewati Raman Dhakal with support from Sharmila Parajuli Dhakal, former Ambassador of Nepal to Spain--- the gathering created space for an open exchange on how partnerships across sectors can strengthen Nepal’s development efforts.

The discussions took place at a moment of transition for the country. Participants reflected on the challenges facing the country—from strengthening institutions and expanding economic opportunity to advancing gender equity and climate resilience. At the same time, there was a sense of cautious optimism that a new generation of leaders could emerge to help guide Nepal toward a more inclusive and forward-looking future.

Throughout the visit, the idea of Bridging Leadership served as a guiding thread. Bridging leadership emphasizes the ability of leaders to build trust across differences, listen deeply to diverse perspectives, and bring stakeholders together around shared purpose. In contexts where complex challenges cut across sectors and institutions, such leadership can help move communities from fragmented efforts toward collective action.

A particularly meaningful moment during the visit was an intimate conversation with three Synergos Senior Fellows from Nepal: Lily Thapa, Sharmila Karki, and Durga Sob. The Fellows shared their journeys as leaders working on gender rights and social change, speaking candidly about the challenges of advancing equity while navigating complex systems. Several reflected on how their experience in the Synergos Fellowship program had influenced their leadership—encouraging them to embrace collaboration, deepen their self-awareness, and work across traditional boundaries. The conversation underscored how bridging leadership often begins with personal transformation, before extending outward into communities and institutions.

Many of these philanthropists are supporting initiatives in social entrepreneurship, community development, and systems change. Their journeys reflect a new generation of philanthropic leadership—one that blends entrepreneurial thinking with a deep commitment to addressing social challenges. The depth of their work and the clarity of their purpose left a strong impression on the visiting delegation.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of continuing to nurture spaces where diverse actors can come together, build trust, and explore new forms of collaboration. In Nepal, the foundations for such partnerships already exist—in the work of civic leaders, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, and community advocates who are committed to building a more inclusive and resilient future.

As the country navigates the next phase of its development, these leaders—and the bridges they build across sectors and perspectives—may prove essential to shaping what comes next.