KATHMANDU, MARCH 20
Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), in collaboration with the Communication and Information Technology (CIT) Subject Committee, organized a seminar on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for National Development on Thursday.
Dr. Rabindra Prasad Dhakal, Secretary of NAST, underscored the importance of such discussions in bringing together leading AI experts to provide strategic policy recommendations to the government. He highlighted the urgency of AI policy formulation, particularly as the government drafts its regulatory framework.
"This seminar is crucial in bridging the global digital divide, given that Nepal currently ranks 109th in the global index. We anticipate government funding to develop a comprehensive AI concept note, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Communication," Dr. Dhakal stated.
Anil Kumar Dutta, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT), outlined the government's ongoing efforts to regulate AI, ensuring its responsible integration into national development.
Echoing similar sentiments, Professor Dr. Subarna Shakya, Academician at NAST, emphasized the practical applications of AI, the necessity of policy interventions, and the opportunities and challenges in AI adoption.
In his closing remarks, Professor Dr. Dilip Subba, Vice Chancellor of NAST, welcomed attendees and expressed optimism about gathering meaningful insights to aid the government in drafting a robust AI policy.
Technical Session Highlights AI Policy and Innovations
The seminar featured a technical session where Narayan Timilsina, Under Secretary at MoCIT, presented Nepal's AI policy initiatives.
Assistant Professor Dr. Manoj Shakya of Kathmandu University delivered a presentation titled "AI in Action: Transforming Nepal Through AI Innovations," exploring AI-driven advancements in various sectors.
Professor Dr. Suresh Manandhar from Wiseyak discussed Nepal's AI landscape, highlighting key opportunities and challenges.
Closing the session, Dr. Subarna Shakya extended his gratitude to all participants and paper presenters, acknowledging their contributions toward simplifying AI and fostering its adoption in Nepal.
The event was hosted by Mangita Bhattarai and concluded with a call for continued collaboration in AI-driven policy development.