Kathmandu - The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), in collaboration with UNICTS Nepal, successfully organized a high-level policy dialogue titled “Shaping Nepal’s Digital Future: Dialogue on AI Policy and Industry Growth,” bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and technology stakeholders to discuss Nepal’s preparedness for artificial intelligence-driven transformation.
The program was graced by the Honorable Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Jagdish Kharel, who underscored the growing importance of artificial intelligence in strengthening governance, enhancing service delivery, and improving productivity across sectors. He emphasized that Nepal’s digital future must be guided by clear policy frameworks, ethical standards, and inclusive access, ensuring that technological advancement benefits society at large.
Participants in the dialogue stressed the urgent need for coherent AI policies that can foster innovation while addressing challenges related to data governance, cybersecurity, workforce readiness, and digital inclusion. Speakers highlighted that without timely regulatory clarity and public-private coordination, Nepal risks lagging behind in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
The discussion also focused on industry growth and innovation ecosystems, with stakeholders calling for stronger collaboration between government institutions, private enterprises, academia, and technology communities. Emphasis was placed on building local capacity, encouraging responsible AI adoption, and creating an enabling environment for startups and digital enterprises.
Organizers noted that such dialogues are essential for aligning national digital ambitions with practical implementation, particularly as Nepal advances initiatives under the broader Digital Nepal vision. The program concluded with a shared commitment to continued engagement among stakeholders to shape AI policies that are transparent, inclusive, and aligned with Nepal’s socio-economic priorities.
