HER: Everest aspirations, rogue-talks and winks

KATHMANDU: “Well, it is a little bit odd for me to be speaking to you despite all the respect I have for you. But I was wondering what happens if, like in the movie Transformers, you go crazy or rogue? Is there a switch?” asked Nepal Coordinator for United Nations Development Programme Renaud Mayar.

“I am sure you would know I have not lost control, or transformed. Perhaps, you should check with your co-workers. Renaud, what can we do when you go rogue? Do you have a switch?” winked Sophia, the humanoid Robot, making the audiences laugh.

Sophia, world’s most advanced robot, was in Nepal to address a conference organised by UNDP on the theme ‘Technology for Public Services’ in Durbarmarg on Wednesday.

A celebrity on her own, Sophia highlighted the key issues through which Nepal can achieve the targets of sustainable development goals using innovation and artificial intelligence.

Addressing the event, the first non-human champion said, “The opportunities (of technology) are endless. From block chain technology, education to medicine, it is possible to ensure accuracy and transparency, connect remote areas. Technology will help Nepal achieve the SDGs.”

Likewise, Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Mahabir Pun focused on the development of remote mountains through innovative use of wireless technology.

He further talked about his new project that includes providing basic health services to people living in remote areas of Gulmi. “As many as 10 Nepali engineers are giving final shape to the project,” he said.

At the event, Dr Manish Pokharel, Head of Department of Computer Science and Engineering Kathmandu University discussed about imaginnovation (imagination and innovation) to develop the traditional approach that Nepal adopts in its education system and the need to replace it with smart technologies.

“When the world was having agricultural revolution, we were having political revolution. When the world was having industrial revolution, we were still having political revolution. Now, when the world is having technological revolution, luckily, we have finished our political revolution,” said Deputy CEO of Nabil Bank and Moderator for the session Anil Shah.

Likewise, Deputy Country Director of UNDP Nepal Sophie Kemkhadze, Vice-President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) Shekhar Golchha, UNDP’s Ramraj Narsimha, and Nagesh Badu also gave a presentation on various topics at the event.

SOPHIYA AWES PARTICIPANTS

SEE ALSO: