Govt committed to enhancing digital communication: Minister Gurung

By Kedar Timalsina, Banepa, Oct 2: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has said that the government is committed to enhancing digital communication for improving public governance.

Minister Gurung said so while inaugurating the Second Pan-Himalayan Communication and Social Development Forum at the Kathmandu University in Dhulikhel today.

"The Government of Nepal is committed for enhancing Digital communication for improving Public governance. We believe, it is a Change Agent for Transformation, growth, and inclusivity. It represents our commitment to building a better, more connected Nepal for future generations," said the Minister. (See the full text below)

The four-day forum Is co-organized by the School of Public Administration of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, the Department of Language and Mass Communication of the Kathmandu College of Humanities and Kangba TV.

At the opening ceremony, Prithvi Subba Gurung, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Nepal, Professor Hu Jun, President of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, and Professor Achyut Wagle, Vice President of Kathmandu University, delivered speeches to congratulate the convening of this international conference.

The keynote speakers also expressed that in order to promote the high-quality development of the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" and further promote the sharing of achievements, mutual benefit, cultural exchange, people-to-people exchanges and long-term peace and stability in the Pan-Himalayan region in the digital era, scholars from many countries will discuss in depth the construction of a community of shared future in the Pan-Himalayan region.

This international conference aims to share the research results of multidisciplinary co-construction such as news communication, public management, political science, history, etc. based on digital communication, and express their own views, in order to have deeper exchanges and mutual learning in the fields of public management and social governance, information exchange and communication, education and culture in the future.

In the next few days, more than 100 famous scholars, professors and young scholars from 8 countries including China, Nepal, the United States, India, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bhutan will discuss hot topics in public governance and social development in the Himalayas on topics such as "digital communication and public governance", "digitalization and urban and rural social development", "regional development and cooperative governance", "cross-cultural communication and ethnic exchanges and integration", and "building a community of shared future in the Himalayas".

Contribute to promoting regional mutual trust, peaceful development and the construction of a community of shared future.

The delegates will also conduct media industry research in Nepal, visit TV stations and newspapers, and lay a good foundation for future cooperation and development between China and Nepal in the media.

Full text of the Minister's speech:

Honorable Guests, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

•          It is my great pleasure to be here in Kathmandu University today to discuss an issue of Digital Communication and Public Governance in this conference.

•          I wish the grand success of the program , on behalf of myself and also on behalf of the government of Nepal,

•          As we know the complexities of the 21st century, digital transformation has become a key driver in enhancing public governance and ensuring transparent, efficient, and accessible services delivery for all.

•          Here, I would like to focus on the key elements of digital communication and public governance, focusing on infrastructure development, digital literacy, cyber security, and the broader goal of a "Digital Nepal."

•          Now, Nepal has made significant efforts in improving its digital infrastructure. Massive expansion of Telco  networks, the growing penetration of mobile devices and  internet, increasing adoption of digital platforms have transformed the way we communicate and access information. We are committed to develop our digital ecosystem to enhance governance, empower citizens, and promote socio-economic development.

•          Ministry has prioritized new formulation and radical changes in the existing policies, laws and structures. Draft of IT and cyber security Act has been sent for stakeholder's ministry's consent. Integrating digital communication into public governance can lead to more responsive, transparent, and efficient government services. 

•          Ministry have formulated National Cyber Security Policy 2080 and established The National Cyber Security Center. Moreover, Social media operation and management directive is under implementation and social media regulation bill is being prepared for secure and responsible use of social Medias.

•          Ministry has prioritized the effective implementation of Digital Nepal Framework 2019. With the aim of making the Digital Nepal Framework more effective and address new digital transformation agendas, Ministry is updating current framework.

•          Ministry has published a concept paper related to the use and practice of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nepal. I in Nepal. National A.I. Policy formulation is in progress.

•          Integration of National Identity Card Management System and Nagarik App is high priority of government for better outreach of e-services to public.

•         

•          Government of Nepal  has aimed to build digital public infrastructure through the effective implementation of programs in the digital foundation under the Digital Nepal Framework. For the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, digital public infrastructure should be prioritized and the government's policies and programs are also in the same direction. As mentioned in budget speech of Government of Nepal for Fiscal Year 2081/82, government has prioritized establishment of information technology hub and establishment of a knowledge park at Khumaltar, Lalitpur. These will be foundational pillars for implementation of the information technology decade. The government is in the process of creating detail implementation plan.

•          Government of Nepal is ready to address policy, legal and infrastructural hurdles for digital transformation however, private sector

•          Building a digital ecosystem with sustainable infrastructure is possible only through the collective efforts of all stakeholders rather than the efforts of a single government. Digital communication is at the heart of modern governance. It enables us to connect with citizens in real time, share information efficiently, and deliver services more transparently. Through e-governance, we are gradually moving away from traditional bureaucratic systems, bringing services directly to the fingertips of our citizens. National E-Government Master Plan , Broadband Network Expansion, the Optical Fiber Backbone Network , and the 4G and beyond  network rollout nationwide  are essential for increasing internet access, particularly in rural areas. Nepal Digital Literacy Campaign and The National Cyber security Policy will ensure that as we digitize more services, we maintain the trust of our citizens by safeguarding their information. The pillars of digital communication lay the groundwork for connectivity, security, and interaction including  rapid innovation and increased global connectivity.

•          Looking forward, our vision for a Digital Nepal is clear. We aim to create a knowledge-based society where information and technology are fully integrated into all aspects of public and private life. By leveraging digital communication and governance, we aspire to build a more inclusive, transparent, and prosperous Nepal. This journey requires the combined efforts of all stakeholders—government, private sector, civil society, and international partners. Together, we can create a digital ecosystem that serves all citizens and ensures that Nepal is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

•          The Public governance associates frameworks, processes, and institutions through which public decisions are made and authority is exercised in a society. It involves the structures of government, the policies implemented by public authorities, and the mechanisms by which citizens, businesses, and civil society interact with these structures.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

•          In conclusion, The Government of Nepal is committed for enhancing Digital communication for improving Public governance. We believe , It is a Change Agent  for Transformation, growth, and inclusivity. It represents our commitment to building a better, more connected Nepal for future generations.

•          We want to set the image of public governance with high integrity  to ensure that public resources are managed effectively, and that decisions made serve the common good while being transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people. We want to set as building blocks of democratic governance with the involvement of Public governance in collaboration between different levels of government (local, regional, national), and also with private and non-governmental organizations. We want to join our hands together to raise the level of society as well as the members of the society thorough matured digital communication system and transparent public Governance.

•          As our dream of “Digital Nepal”.  We are planning for Strategies and action plans for E Governance Implementation in Nepal by using innovative technologies as well as interconnect with the Information world by internalizing the required ICT initiatives to make Digital Nepal a grand success.

•          At last, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the organizer and to all official members of this Conference. Special thanks and  regards to the Kathmandu University organizer team for your kind invitation

           Thank you so much !