Nepali Congress Sparks National Debate on AI for Development
Kathmandu, July 28 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a central topic in Nepal's political and development conversations. With AI's global rise, discussions have expanded to include its potential benefits and challenges within various sectors, including governance and public welfare.
On Sunday, the Nepali Congress (NC) launched a series titled “AI: Overall Analysis for Nepal's Development” at their central office in Sanepa, Lalitpur. NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba emphasized AI's capacity to accelerate development if applied thoughtfully. He stressed the importance of building a Digital Nepal that prioritizes citizens and aligns with the party's values of innovation, liberal democracy, and good governance.
Strategic Policy and Risk Management
The event was arranged by NC’s Department of Science and Information Technology. Department coordinator Sushila Mishra Bhatta highlighted that AI could become a reliable partner in Nepal’s development journey. However, she called for strategic policies that carefully address risks and challenges associated with AI deployment.
Moving Beyond Fear: A Call for Informed AI Adoption
Suresh Pokharel, Vice Chairperson of AI Association Nepal, encouraged stakeholders to discard unfounded fears about AI, drawing parallels to early skepticism about electricity. He urged Nepal to develop its own AI framework, focusing on key areas such as:
- Data ecosystems
- Infrastructure
- Energy resources
- Algorithms and innovation
- Workforce development
- Policy formulation
Pokharel pointed out India's active AI exploration and suggested Nepal could follow suit by building a tailored approach suited to its context.
Panel Discussion: Preparing Nepal for AI
A video presentation outlined Nepal's digital development progress, followed by a panel discussion on AI readiness and the leadership needed to ensure inclusive integration. Panelists included:
- Shikshit Bhatta, founder of ride-sharing app Tootle
- Adesh Khadka, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
- Professor Dr. Sudan Jha
- Dipesh Bista, CEO of the E-Governance Commission
- Sajana Maharjan, expert in data-driven governance
They collectively recognized AI as more than just a technology—it's a transformative force that demands clear, long-term political vision and commitment.
Leadership and AI: A Balanced Approach
NC central member Dr. Minendra Rijal chaired the panel and acknowledged that while AI development is crucial, it comes with challenges. He stressed the importance of integrating AI with inclusive and accountable leadership to ensure its effective use in Nepal.
The participants urged Nepali Congress to lead policy formulation efforts that guarantee AI benefits the broader population rather than a select few.
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