Multidisciplinary conference to spur interdisciplinary collaboration in Karnali

 Karnali, April 24: A Multidisciplinary International Conference-2026 commenced on Friday at Mid-West University in Surkhet, the capital of Karnali Province. The event is a joint initiative of the Mid-West University and the Birla Global University of India.

Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel inaugurated the conference.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister commended the organizers for hosting an event aimed at exploring and exchanging knowledge and experiences on innovative themes at both national and international levels. He expressed hope that the conference would play a key role in building an inclusive, sustainable and innovative society through interdisciplinary collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation and sustainability. Exchange of global knowledge is a major focus.

“This is an era of knowledge. With the rapid development of information technology and innovation, critical shift is witnessed in professional approaches to society and education systems. Acknowledging these developments, our universities are expected to demonstrate efficiency and competence in technology, policy, and academic and professional dispensing,” he said.

“Artificial intelligence has proven to be one of the world’s most effective technologies. It has brought remarkable transformations in health, education, agriculture and communication, but it is not free of challenges either eg privacy breach, retrenchment of employments and digital divide. A single-disciplinary approach is therefore insufficient to address such complexity,” the Chief Minister observed. 

Acharya went on to say, "We are at a crossroads in terms of the interplay of science, technology and human values. Artificial intelligence and global digital transformation have deeply impacted lifestyles, economies, governance systems and social structures. Such situation warrants an interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue so that a sustainable future would be built,” he asserted 

The conference themed 'Interdisciplinary Synergies for a Sustainable Future in the Age of AI and Digital Transformation' aims to connect Nepal’s higher education sector, research culture, international collaboration, regional development and policy dialogue into a common platform, according to Conference Management Committee Member Secretary Bishnu Kumar Khadka.

The objectives of the three-day event include developing new perspectives on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and sustainability; analyzing complex issues across education, technology, governance, economy, and society; expanding international research collaboration and partnerships; and recommending evidence-based policy formulations.

Seven thematic areas feature the event: agriculture, environment and food security; education and human development; law, policy and governance; management, economy and entrepreneurship; health and population; science, technology and engineering; and social sciences and humanities. More than 344 papers are being presented across these themes.

Over 500 participants from 21 countries are attending the event. The symposium also has the schedules of roundtable discussions among global speakers and vice chancellors as well as sessions on economic entrepreneurship, including those related to the diaspora. (RSS)