Two-day meeting under way in city to discuss internet governance

Kathmandu, August 18

The Internet Governance Forum meet kicked off here today. The IGF is a multi-stakeholders’ platform to discuss a wide range of internet-related issues, including cyber policy, security, technology and e-business.

More than 100 people from across the country and from abroad representing diverse sectors have gathered for the event, which is being held with the theme ‘Building Sustainable Internet Ecosystem in Nepal’.

At the forum, they are scheduled to share internet innovations and achievements and discuss potentials and future challenges of internet in Nepal.

The two-day programme features topics such as the multi-stakeholders model of internet governance, opportunities for developing countries in information and communications technology, Nepal’s present internet scenario, online privacy and data protection and national security, among others.

Chair of Internet Governance Forum Multi-stakeholders Advisory Group Lynn St Amour said a multi-stakeholders model was a key component of any internet governance discussion or process.

Addressing the event, Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Asha Koirala stressed that women, children and people with disabilities should not be deprived of benefits from internet.

Senior Director at Nepal Telecommunications Authority Anand Raj Khanal emphasised on the availability and affordability of internet to women, disabled and marginalised community to avoid digital divide. The programme is being organised by Internet Society Nepal with support from the Department of Information Technology and more than three dozen organisations.