Stresses digital sovereignty, ethical governance and national readiness at Kathmandu talk programme
KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 7
Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai has said that artificial intelligence (AI) has become a foreign policy concern for Nepal, stressing that the country must prepare strategically to navigate rapid technological shifts and protect national interests.
Speaking at a talk programme on Artificial Intelligence and Its Implication for Nepal, organised by the Association of Former Career Ambassadors of Nepal (AFCAN), the Centre for Diplomacy and Development (CDD) and the Former International Professionals of Multilateral Organizations (FIPMO) in Lalitpur on Sunday, the Foreign Secretary said AI is reshaping global power dynamics and redefining strategic competition.
"AI is no longer just a matter of science and technology; it is now a matter of foreign policy," he said, noting that diplomacy is essential to ensure that technological advancements benefit humanity while minimizing risks.
He highlighted the UN General Assembly's first-ever AI resolution adopted in March 2024, which called for safe, secure and trustworthy AI, and said its principles underline Nepal's engagement in global AI governance.
The Foreign Secretary said Nepal must protect its national interests in an era where cybersecurity and digital systems form part of hard security. He emphasised the need for "technological non-alignment," ensuring Nepal maintains digital sovereignty and avoids dependence on dominant global tech powers by developing its own community-focused digital infrastructure.
He added that Nepal should advocate in regional and multilateral forums for AI to be treated as a global public good, with governance rules that are inclusive and representative.
He noted that Nepal has begun transitioning from discussion to implementation. The Cabinet's approval of the National AI Policy 2082 and the establishment of the National AI Center mark important steps toward ethical and innovation-driven AI development.
A focus on data sovereignty, he said, ensures that Nepali citizens' data remains secure under national jurisdiction.
He announced that nearly 100 newly recruited Section Officers in the Foreign Service will receive AI training to enhance digital capability within diplomatic ranks.
The Foreign Secretary also said Nepal's hydropower resources and naturally cool climate give the country an advantage in developing "green data centers," enabling new economic opportunities in the digital age.
AI can help Nepali youth participate in the global economy from home by exporting code, algorithms and digital services, he said. "Our goal is clear: to export intelligence, not intellects."
He stressed that AI is a "double-edged sword," carrying risks such as disinformation, bias and cybersecurity threats, but also offering major gains in education, health, agriculture, governance and economic competitiveness.
Concluding his remarks, he said Nepal must use AI to drive inclusive prosperity, reduce inequality and accelerate development. "AI itself is neither good nor bad-it reflects the values of those who build and use it," he said.
"The question is not whether AI will shape the future, but whether we will shape AI responsibly for the future we want."
He expressed confidence that the programme's discussions would contribute to Nepal's forward-looking approach to AI.