By Prithivi Subba Gurung, Minister of Communication & Information Technology
The potential of AI and robotics to uplift economies, automate industries, and enhance research and education is unlimited. Today’s discussions on AI, Youths, and a Prosperous Nepal have highlighted how these technologies can boost Nepal toward a brighter, more prosperous future—if we properly plan and use them wisely.
From cutting-edge AI research to innovative applications, Nepal can adopt this global wave of innovation, bridge technological divides, and leap forward into the hi-tech domain. AI and robotics have already made tremendous contributions globally, particularly in developed economies, where they are leading transformations in industry, governance, education, research, and the development of society. Learning from these achievements, Nepal has a unique opportunity to leverage AI and robotics to support sustainable economic growth, create skilled jobs, and build resilient digital ecosystems.
The experience of developed countries provides a roadmap of possibilities through the right policies, partnerships, and investments in technology infrastructure. As we reflect on the theme “Robotics and AI for Global Prosperity and Industry Automation,” we recognize that these technologies have the power to redefine industrial landscapes and make workplaces safer, more efficient, and more innovative. For Nepal, such advances in industry automation can lead to improved productivity and competitiveness, particularly as we encourage our youth to engage in research, development, and innovation in the field of advanced IT with AI and beyond.
Prioritizing AI for Transformative Change
The application of AI for transformative change—with a priority on customer service excellence, the education system, and enhanced online services for good governance—is the need of the day. These priority areas represent our strong commitment to technological advancement and improving the lives of all Nepali citizens through inclusive and equitable digital transformation.
A unified public-private partnership model will help us to pool resources, share expertise, and create a sustainable AI and ICT ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
We are focused on:
- Leveraging AI for Prioritized Sectors such as customer service excellence,
- A joint effort among public and private sector stakeholders to unlock the potential of AI and the advanced ICT industry,
- Establishing an IT Special Economic Zone (SEZ) where AI-based ICT industries will be prioritized—laying a strong foundation for AI-driven advancements across sectors,
- Revolutionizing the IT industry and promoting Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) to create jobs and channel vital revenue streams into our economy,
- Building an AI- and ICT-friendly ecosystem by preparing the prerequisites necessary for a prosperous and stable digital economy.
Building Foundations for a Digital Economy
Establishing a dedicated IT SEZ with tax and regulatory incentives, state-of-the-art infrastructure, skills development programs, and R&D facilities will foster innovation and support startups to incubate and accelerate local ventures. Revolutionizing the IT sector and creating employment through BPO by attracting foreign companies to outsource their operations to Nepal can generate substantial employment opportunities for our skilled youth and stimulate economic growth across the country.
Building an AI- and ICT-friendly ecosystem for global investment is part of our long-term strategy to create a safe, stable, and innovation-driven environment. This includes:
- Developing supportive policies and frameworks to streamline investment in the AI and ICT sectors,
- Building a skilled workforce with training programs in AI, data science, and machine learning,
- Enhancing digital infrastructure to support seamless connectivity and data processing,
- Facilitating access to funding for local startups and tech companies,
- Fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that encourages new ideas and solutions.
- As part of this ecosystem, we are also committed to creating an environment that respects data privacy and cybersecurity.
Our aim is to make Nepal an appealing and secure destination for technology investments, further solidifying our place in the global technology landscape.
Policy Action and Institutional Progress
To achieve the vision of an advanced ICT ecosystem with AI and beyond, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) has already taken several steps:
- Published a concept paper related to the use and practice of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nepal,
- Ongoing formulation of a National AI Policy,
- Revision of the Digital Nepal Framework (DNF 1.0) to make it more effective with updated digital transformation agendas,
- Prioritization of new policy formulations and radical reforms in existing policies, laws, and structures,
- Ongoing revision of the draft IT and Cyber Security Act,
- Implementation of the National Cyber Security Policy 2080 and establishment of the National Cyber Security Center,
- Execution of the Social Media Operation and Management Directive, and preparation of a Social Media Regulation Bill for the secure and responsible use of social media.
MoCIT is also working to build digital public infrastructure through effective program implementation under the Digital Nepal Framework. For successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, digital public infrastructure is essential—and government policies and programs are aligned in that direction.
Integration of the National Identity Card Management System and Nagarik App is a high priority for better outreach of e-services to the public. The Government of Nepal has also prioritized establishing an Information Technology Hub and Knowledge Park at Khumaltar, Lalitpur—a foundational pillar for implementing the information technology decade. The government is in the process of creating a detailed implementation plan.
However, building a digital ecosystem with sustainable infrastructure is possible only through collective effort, not by the government alone. While the government is ready to address policy, legal, and infrastructural hurdles, the private sector has a major role to play in implementation.
A Call for Unified Action
To achieve these targets, we need the support, ideas, and expertise of everyone—from government bodies to private sector leaders, academic institutions, investors, and youth innovators. It is a collective effort—a partnership in every sense—to create an AI- and ICT-friendly environment that can uplift Nepal and set a new benchmark for technological development in South Asia.
Let us join hands, build on our shared ambitions, and work together to establish Nepal as a leading destination for safe and lucrative IT investments. Together, we can leap into a new digital era—one that empowers our people, strengthens our economy, and positions Nepal as a country of technological innovation and digital advancement.
A Final Word
Finally, as the Minister of MoCIT, I would like to call for ACTION to all stakeholders to join our hands and hearts (मन, बचन र कर्म) with strong commitment to make Nepal a new destination for AI-friendly and ICT-friendly environments. Let us work together, combining our strengths and shared vision, to elevate Nepal as a major global hub for IT and digital transformation.
Let us invite international investors for secure and responsible investment in Nepal’s IT sector—to change the face of our nation through the development of a vibrant digital ecosystem. I invite all business leaders, educators, policymakers, investors, and visionaries to join us on this transformative journey.
Let us create a digital ecosystem in Nepal that not only changes lives but also stands as a powerful testimony to the incredible power of collaboration and innovation in the 21st century of advanced technology.
Last but not least, let us commit to make Nepal a thriving hub of AI and robotics innovation with the advancement of ICT as a potential industry. With the right vision and collaboration among all stakeholders—government, academia, industry, and youth—we can build a foundation that transforms Nepal’s economy and society for the better.
Together, we can realize the promise of AI and robotics to create a more prosperous and equitable future for all.
Once again, I would like to wish for the grand success of the conference and a pleasant stay to all international and national delegates in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Thank you for this grand opportunity to the organizer team—Robotics Association of Nepal and National Youth Federation Nepal.
(The article is based on the inaurual speech Minister Gurung gave at International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics held in Kathmandu 27 October, 2024)
