Digital ICT Leadership Forum fruitful for Nepal: Kharel

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 13: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel has said that the Global ICT Leadership Forum stands as a success story for Nepal.

Speaking at the 11th Global ICT Leadership Forum held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on Wednesday, Minister Kharel said that the forum on Digital Nepal and Digital Transformation had been both successful and productive.

“The Digital Leadership Forum has been very successful and fruitful. It has helped pave the way for building a Digital Nepal based on the concept of Digital Transformation, and for making Nepal an AI-friendly nation in the days ahead,” said Minister Kharel.

He mentioned that Nepal had advanced its work in a structured manner by formulating policies related to digital and AI transformation. “Nepal has introduced an AI policy, particularly in the context of digital and AI transformation. The National AI Centre has come into operation, and an AI Council is also being formed. The forum was informed that a draft roadmap for Digital Nepal has been prepared,” he added.

According to Minister Kharel, the forum was also informed that the Government of Nepal has proposed collaboration with the Korean Government, the World Bank, and other partner organisations in the near future. 

He said that an understanding had been reached, particularly with the Korean Government and the World Bank, to move ahead with cooperation and partnership in the areas of digital and AI transformation.

“Partnership in digital and AI areas will enhance various economic cooperation capacities, facilitate exposure visits and knowledge sharing, and provide support to Nepal in the coming days,” said Kharel.

During a group discussion session, Minister Kharel also shared Nepal’s priorities, as well as its plans for future collaboration and partnership with international organisations. The Korean Government and its National Information Society Agency (NIA) also discussed potential areas of cooperation and mutual partnership with Nepal.

Nepal’s Ambassador to South Korea, Dr. Shivamaya Tumbahamphe, and other dignitaries were present at the forum. Minister Kharel had left for Korea on Tuesday to attend the event.

The ICT Leadership Forum was organised in Seoul as a joint initiative of the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the National Information Society Agency (NIA). The forum featured two sessions: Digital and AI Transformation: Strategies and Challenges and Global Cooperation for a Sustainable Digital Future.

Ministers from various countries, expert advisers to prime ministers, government representatives, and delegates from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and other international organisations also participated in the forum under the theme Digital and AI Transformation: SDGs and Achieving a Sustainable Global Future.

Minister Kharel is scheduled to return on November 15.