AI policy in the offing: Info Minister Gurung

Kathmandu, Oct 27: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has said the government was bringing an artificial intelligence (AI) policy in view of the potential to intensify Nepal's journey to prosperity through AI and robotic use.

Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day conference on AI and Robotic Technology organized by the National Youth Association Nepal in the federal capital on Sunday, Minister Gurung said AI has limitless opportunities on country's economy, industrial development, innovation and research. So, the government is for promoting innovation with the public-private partnership, he reminded.

Nepal will be developed as an out-sourcing centre for foreign IT companies by revolutionizing IT in the economic sector. Special economic zone would be forwarded in a planned manner, he shared, adding that they were at work to ensure attractive employments to the qualified IT workforce within country. 

The Minister further shared that a concept paper on AI use had already been prepared in a bid to achieve goals on ICT ecosystem along with AI. Investment in IT is equally prioritized.

The Digital Nepal Framework (DNF) was being revised and preparation afoot for IT and Cyber Security. The Cyber Security Centre and the Social Network Operation and Management Directive were being enforced, according to him.

He underlined the need for effective enforcement of DNF. Public use of digital technology is encouraged by the government. IT is a key to achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, 2030.

He sought cooperation from all sides including private sector to make Nepal friendly to IT and AI.

On the occasion, Vice Chairman of the EU Robotics, Professor Juha Roning, viewed while developing and applying AI, human values and interest must be kept in centre. "Only concern today is how AI can be made responsible, acceptable and safe," he added. 

Professor Dr JM Manindra Diyasa from Khalifa University presented examples of AI wonders in the development sectors spanning from agriculture to health.

The two-day event will discuss multifarious issues of AI and robotics, the organizer shared. (RSS)