Kathmandu, June 15

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today said the government would use science and technology for development and prosperity in the country.

Inaugurating the first National Youth Conference on Science, Information and Technology organised by the National Youth Council here today, he stressed on using modern technology to utilise natural resources abundantly available in the country.

“We are rich in terms of natural resources. The only thing necessary for the development of the country is will power and commitment,” Prime Minister Oli said, adding that the government was committed to creating job opportunities for youths.

Noting that science and technology is a must  for the development of country and increasing productivity, PM Oli said the government would promote science and technology for agriculture development and utilisation of natural resources.

He observed that the country could not take development strides as it could not make optimum use of science and technology. “Now is the time to fight backwardness and poverty. Responsibility of developing the country has now come on the shoulders of youths,” the prime minister said.

On a different note, PM Oli said he was working with determination to protect the nation and sought support from all corners to accomplish his mission of prosperity. He also expressed commitment to implement the conclusions drawn from the conference.

Minister of Youth and Sports Jagat Bahadur Sunar stressed maximum utilisation of youth manpower to ensure good governance, development and prosperity in the country. “The ministry has introduced various programmes to promote scientific research and studies and make youths productive and self-reliant,” added Minister Sunar.

According to executive vice-chair of the council Madhav Dhungel, the council plans to launch youth-oriented programmes across the country focusing on their productivity and self-employment skills.

Conference coordinator Khim Panthi said the objective of the conference was to increase youth participation in nation building and update the young scientists knowledge on science and technology.

The conference also aims to review various thematic issues related to science, information and communication sectors. The conference further aims to prepare a work policy for next 10 years and take scientific innovations and findings of researches and studies of Nepal’s young  scientists to the people.

The three-day conference will have paper presentations on 12 topics such as medicine and ayurveda, indigenous technology and traditional practices, life sciences, agriculture and forestry, astronomy and space science, information communication and technology, earth, environment and meteorology, nanotechnology, radiation and energy and engineering and material sciences and theme of natural sciences, among others.

Around 400 youth researchers, scientists, policy makers and representatives from science-related organisations are participating in the event.