24th April 2025, Kathmandu
The second edition of the Digital Karnali Conclave successfully concluded in Birendranagar, Surkhet. The event took place on April 21 and 22 at Shubha Hotel. It was jointly organized by the Karnali Province Government and ICT Foundation Nepal.
Karnali Digital Conclave 2025 Concluded
Focused on Innovation and Sustainability
The main theme of the conclave was “Empowering the Future: Innovation, Connectivity, and Sustainability.” The program featured three keynote presentations, seven lightning talks, and ten panel discussions under seven key themes. Over 40 national and international experts participated as speakers.
Wide Range of Discussions
On Day 1, sessions explored topics like digital infrastructure, connectivity, digital education, fintech, and digital governance. On Day 2, the focus shifted to telemedicine, cybersecurity, technology in agriculture, e-commerce, skill development, and sustainable development.
The conclave highlighted both opportunities and challenges in building a digital Karnali. Discussions aimed to shape the province’s digital roadmap for the future.
High-Level Participation
Karnali Province Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel attended as the chief guest. Other attendees included MPs, ministers, provincial assembly members, local government officials, and industry leaders. More than 400 people took part in the event.
CM Kandel said the discussions will help draft the digital roadmap for Karnali. He emphasized the need for cooperation among all three levels of government to make real progress.
Support for Digital Transformation
Former Chief Ministers Jeevan Bahadur Shahi and Mahendra Bahadur Shahi also spoke at the conclave. They stressed the importance of digital technology in remote regions like Karnali. According to them, better infrastructure and quality services are vital for true transformation.
Secretary Pushpa Raj Shahi from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law stated that the province is stepping into a new digital era. He called for collaborative efforts to overcome the challenges.
Private Sector and Experts Join In
ICT Foundation President Rajan Lamsal said that with strong public policies, the private sector can drive the digital movement in Karnali. He stressed the need for prioritizing technology in all sectors.
Keynote speakers included Suryanath Yogi (Vice Chair, Karnali Province Planning Commission), ICT expert Manohar Bhattarai, and Subash Dhakal (Deputy Secretary, e-Governance Board). They presented ideas on digital governance and future planning.
Panelists Represent Diverse Fields
Speakers included ministers, telecom officials, university heads, private tech CEOs, and civil society leaders. Participants came from organizations like Nepal Telecom, WorldLink, Everest Net, Mid-Western University, and UNICEF.
They discussed issues like digital access, youth employment, cyber hygiene, and smart agriculture. Experts also shared successful digital initiatives already launched in Karnali.
Commitment to Action
On the final day, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law committed to implementing key takeaways from the event. It also pledged to include them in future policies and programs.
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