5th February 2025, Kathmandu
The Government of Nepal has unveiled the draft of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2081. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) has called on the public to provide their suggestions within the next seven days.
Nepal Draft AI Policy 2081
The draft policy outlines the creation of several new institutions to regulate and guide AI development. These include the AI Regulation Council, the National AI Center, and the AI Excellence Center. These bodies aim to ensure AI is developed responsibly, with a focus on ethics, human rights, and international standards.
National AI Center to Oversee AI Development
The National AI Center will serve as the main regulatory body for AI. The center will manage AI’s growth, usage, and research, ensuring it aligns with global best practices. The government also plans to establish AI Excellence Centers in universities and research institutions across the country to foster innovation.
AI Regulation Council for Ethical Oversight
The draft policy proposes the formation of an AI Regulation Council, headed by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology. This council will oversee the ethical application of AI, ensuring that AI development benefits society while respecting human rights and privacy. The council will also work to align Nepal’s AI standards with international norms.
Digital Infrastructure for AI Integration
To facilitate AI development, the government plans to expand digital infrastructure. This includes the rollout of high-speed internet services through technologies like 5G and fiber optics. Furthermore, AI research will be supported by establishing state-of-the-art data centers and cloud infrastructure across Nepal.
Encouraging Public Participation
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has invited all stakeholders, including individuals and organizations, to share their feedback on the draft policy. Suggestions can be submitted by email, and the government aims to review all feedback before finalizing the policy.
AI Excellence Centers to Boost Research
The AI Excellence Centers will be established at both national and provincial levels to focus on AI research and development. These centers will prioritize ethical data handling and the use of AI in sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and more. Collaboration with international research institutions will also be encouraged.
Path Towards Policy Approval
Once the feedback is collected and analyzed, the policy will be revised and submitted to the Cabinet for final approval. After receiving approval, the National AI Policy 2081 will be fully implemented to guide AI’s future in Nepal.
With a clear focus on ethical AI development and international alignment, Nepal is setting the stage for a future where AI contributes to economic growth and social welfare.
For more: Nepal Draft AI Policy 2081
