Calls for equitable scientific knowledge

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 28: Nepal has called for equitable and accessible scientific knowledge at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC), held recently in Astana, Kazakhstan.

"It is necessary to ensure open-access, data sharing, and research collaboration across academic and public institutions," said Pusharaj Subedi, president of Nepal Library Association (NLA).

Subedi said so in his working paper, 'Open Science Practices in Nepal,' presented at the Congress.  

His paper was one of only four papers selected worldwide for the open science session. "With the selection of Subedi's paper, Nepal marked a significant achievement in Library and Information Science (LIS)," stated the NLA. 

He said that his paper aimed to showcase the efforts and goals of Nepal’s LIS community in making science more inclusive and transparent, despite limited resources.

Subedi emphasised the need for local strategies that fit with global best practices. “Open science is not just about access; it’s about participation. Nepal’s LIS professionals must engage with global platforms, share our perspectives, and learn from international experiences. This is how we build stronger, more informed communities,” he added.

With the theme of 'Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future’, the congress was organised by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. Delegates from over 150 countries attended the event. 

NLA said that Subedi's paper served as a call for Nepali institutions to invest more in digital infrastructure, policy advocacy, and professional development in the LIS field.