16th May 2025, Kathmandu
The first-ever Digital Madhesh Conclave 2025 wrapped up on May 14, 2025, in Bardibas, Mahottari. The event was a significant milestone for Madhesh Province’s digital development.
Digital Madhesh Conclave 2025 Concluded
It was organized through a partnership between the Province’s Ministry of Home, Communication, and Law, the ICT Foundation Nepal, and the CAN Federation Madhesh Province chapter.
The conclave took place at Hotel Navy and ran throughout the day. It focused on Madhesh’s digital status, opportunities, challenges, and future potential. Experts, policymakers, and stakeholders gathered to discuss ways to strengthen the province’s digital ecosystem.
Theme and Participation
Under the theme “Fostering Digitalization and Development,” the conclave featured three keynote speeches, more than six thematic panel sessions, and over 30 experts. This diverse participation enriched the dialogue on digital transformation in Madhesh.
More than 300 attendees joined the conclave. They included Madhesh Province’s Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh, various ministers, former ministers, parliamentarians, local representatives, senior government officials, and IT specialists.
Key Topics Discussed
Discussions covered a wide range of subjects. These included:
Digital infrastructure
Digital education
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data security
Startups and innovation ecosystems
ICT policies
Digital governance
Presenters shared insights, challenges, and ideas to build a stronger digital Madhesh.
Showcasing Digital Initiatives
The conclave also provided a platform to showcase several digital initiatives and transformation ideas. These presentations demonstrated Madhesh’s readiness to embrace modern technology and innovation.
Honoring Digital Champions
The event honored prominent digital champions from Madhesh. Among those recognized were:
Arvind Sah, co-founder of Khalti
Deepak Sah, CEO of Dynamic Technosoft
Sirjana Jha, founder of Skill Spark
Their contributions to digital progress in the province were acknowledged and celebrated.
Government Support and Commitment
Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh addressed the conclave and emphasized the province’s vast potential in digital technologies. He assured participants that the provincial government stands ready to provide necessary support to boost digital growth.
Similarly, Minister Rajkumar Lekhi of the Ministry of Home, Communication, and Law stressed the importance of prioritizing digital Madhesh. He called for proper resource management to achieve digital transformation goals.
Secretary Vimal Prasad Baral highlighted the need for planned and systematic progress in digital initiatives. He expressed confidence that the conclave’s outcomes would guide future strategies.
Views from ICT Foundation and CAN Federation
Rajan Lamsal, chairman of ICT Foundation Nepal, stated that the foundation aims to contribute to Nepal’s digital campaign by supporting initiatives like the Digital Madhesh Conclave. He expects the event to help formulate key policies, programs, and budgetary plans for Madhesh’s digital advancement.
Navaraj Kunwar, vice president of ASOCHIO and former president of CAN Federation, remarked that despite good policies and laws in Nepal, weak implementation has hindered desired progress in the IT sector. He urged stronger execution to realize IT’s full potential.
Ganesh Sharma, president of the CAN Federation Madhesh Province, requested that the provincial government allocate an adequate budget for Madhesh’s digitalization efforts.
Expert Panels and Speakers
The conclave featured many distinguished speakers from various sectors. Key contributors included:
Dr. Shohan Prasad Sah, vice-chair of the Madhesh Province Policy and Planning Commission
ICT expert Vivek Rana
Ashish Sigdel, Senior Manager at Worldlink
Rewati Sapkota, Communication Registrar of Bagmati Province
Mahesh Dhungana, Deputy Manager at Nepal Telecom, Madhesh Province
Sunil Kumar Sah, Acting Chief at Nepal Electricity Authority, Madhesh Province
Vivek KC, Manager at Ncell Madhesh Province
Satish Raj Bhandari, Regional Manager at Worldlink
Cybersecurity expert Vishalmani Upadhyay
Shailendra Jha, member of Kathmandu Metropolitan Urban Planning Commission
Additionally, representatives from education, local government, and e-governance also shared their perspectives.
Regional Government Collaboration
ICT Foundation Nepal organized this conclave in close cooperation with Madhesh Province’s government. Earlier, the foundation had successfully held the Digital Karnali Conclave in Surkhet on April 21-22, 2024. This event also saw direct involvement from the Karnali provincial government.
The Digital Madhesh Conclave 2025 continues the foundation’s efforts to engage provinces directly in digital transformation through government partnerships.
Moving Forward: Digital Madhesh Strategy
The conclave’s rich discussions and expert contributions aim to shape a clear roadmap for digital development in Madhesh. It intends to provide practical strategies for building digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, securing data, encouraging startups, and improving governance through technology.
Participants hope this event will lead to tangible policy decisions, increased funding, and effective implementation of digital projects across the province.
Conclusion
Digital Madhesh Conclave 2025 marked a landmark event for the province’s digital future. With government commitment, expert guidance, and active stakeholder participation, Madhesh is poised to accelerate its journey toward a digitally empowered society.
The conclave’s success reflects growing awareness and enthusiasm for digital transformation in Nepal’s provinces. It sets a strong foundation for similar initiatives nationwide.
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