On the occasion of World Telecommunication Day – May 17 – a national programme will be held with the theme : ICT (Information Communication Technology) for all – empowering people to cross the digital divide.

As informed by the ministry via a press statement, the ministry and the Telecommunication Technology Analysis Division will be the focal points for celebrating the World Telecommunication Day 2002 as a national event in the country.

A working committee will be formed to plan programmes for the day and to oversee implementation of these programmes. The committee will include members from the ministries of information and communications, science and technology, culture, tourism and civil aviation, Nepal Telecommunications Corporation, Radio Nepal, Nepal TV, Institute of Engineering, Computer Association of Nepal and Internet Service Providers Association of Nepal.

Various forms of media in the country, such as radio, television and the print media will carry interaction programmes on various issues related to the theme chosen. Apart from the fore-mentioned, representatives from the National Planning Commission, Nepal Tourism Board and others will participate in the interactions.

The press statement issued by the ministry also calls for publication of articles related to the theme in newspapers and magazines. It also requests government and other media to give special coverage to telecommunications on that day.

The Internet Service Providers Association of Nepal will launch the site – roupofWTD.gov.np – to facilitate information-sharing. The association will also conducting a seminar based on the theme chosen for World Telecommunication Day : ICT for all – empowering people to cross the digital divide.

On the same day, the Task Force Group of Nepal will also be established and announced for the World Summit on Information Society. The Institute of Engineering will also be holding an essay competition on the topic ‘Role of Telecommunication on poverty reduction’ for students of ICT and award three outstanding ones.