KATHMANDU: Nepal Internet Governance Forum-2019, kicked off in the capital city, in a bid to augment debate and discussion on multifarious issues involving the internet.

The national annual event is hosted by the Internet Society Nepal with the support of dozens of non-government and government institutions.

Bringing together people working in policy, research, rights advocacy, cyber security, digital economy, e-governance, data protection, media and regulation, ICT and freedom of expression, the two-day event exchanges knowledge and new development on internet and IT related sectors in the country and abroad.

Addressing the inaugural session, Secretary for the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Mahendra Man Gurung said the digital Nepal framework would prepare a base for holistic development of the country. “Cooperation and collaboration between government, private sectors and academia is important to boost internet environment in the country,” he said.

Secretary Gurung said government had recognised ICT as a major pillar of economic growth.

Chairman of Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Purushottam Khanal said 18 broadband projects were underway to connect community schools and hospitals across the country. He hoped expansion of optical fibre network would complete in two years.

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Goodwill Ambassador, Ganesh Shah urged the government to ensure availability, accessibility and affordability of internet to citizens. “At a time when the world is undergoing the fourth industrial revolution, Nepal too needs to work to promote ICT sector,” he said asking youths to participate for digital revolution.Vice-chairperson of Computer Association of Nepal Federation,Sunaina Ghimire Pandey expressed concern over rising tax on internet service.