Kathmandu, Nepal - The Asia-Pacific Regional Media Workshop officially opened in Kathmandu today alongside the 24th AIBD General Conference, bringing together international and local media professionals and stakeholders to discuss the future of journalism and broadcasting amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The workshop is being held under the theme “Media for Safe and Inclusive Societies in the Age of AI and Digital Transformation,” highlighting the growing need for responsible, inclusive and technologically prepared media institutions across the Asia-Pacific region.
The opening session featured remarks from Philomena Gnanapragasam, Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), who underscored the importance of strengthening media capacity as technological change reshapes the information environment.
Jaco du Toit, UNESCO Country Representative to Nepal, delivered special remarks, while Siromani Dhungana, Director of the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal (ACORAB), delivered the welcome remarks.
Arjun Giri, President of ACORAB, also participated in the opening session, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation in developing media systems that can respond effectively to emerging technological, social and information challenges.
The workshop comes at a time when artificial intelligence, digital platforms and rapidly evolving communication technologies are transforming how news is produced, distributed and consumed. Alongside the opportunities offered by these technologies, media organisations are increasingly confronted with challenges related to misinformation, digital safety, inclusiveness, professional ethics and public trust.
Discussions at the regional gathering are therefore expected to place particular emphasis on building responsible, inclusive and future-ready media, while ensuring that technological advancement contributes to safer societies and broader access to reliable information.
For the Asia-Pacific region, where media landscapes range from community radio and local journalism to highly digitalised news ecosystems, such regional dialogue provides an important platform for sharing experiences, strengthening professional capacity and exploring practical approaches to navigating the AI-driven transformation of the media sector.
The Kathmandu workshop also highlights the growing importance of collaboration among international organisations, governments, media institutions, community broadcasters and journalists in ensuring that the digital transformation of media remains grounded in public interest, accountability, inclusion and responsible innovation.
Ecosphere News will continue to follow discussions emerging from the regional media gathering and developments surrounding the future of media, artificial intelligence and digital transformation in Nepal and across the Asia-Pacific.
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