Kathmandu, Feb. 18
The Computer Association of Nepal Federation (CAN
Federation) submitted a concept paper to the government containing crucial
recommendations for the forthcoming National Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Policy.
On Sunday, a
delegation from the federation handed over the document containing the
suggestions to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology,
Prithvi Subba Gurung.
The recommendations include defining AI clearly in the
Nepali context, incorporating a glossary of AI-related terms, and promoting AI
applications in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and disaster risk
management.
Likewise, fostering multi-sector collaboration among
academic institutions, government agencies, private enterprises, and local
authorities has also been included as a recommendation.
The federation has stressed the need for a robust
legal framework for AI and data security, clear data management policies,
cross-border data-sharing mechanisms, establishment of independent data
centres, and investment in AI ecosystems, including human resources and
scholarships.
The concept paper also advocates for AI tools tailored
to the Nepali language and local need, the CAN Federation informed in a
statement issued on Tuesday.
Titled 'Use and Practice of AI in Nepal', the concept
paper was prepared under the review and recommendations of CAN Federation’s AI
Coordinator and Vice-President Chiranjibi Adhikari, Professor Sudan Jha,
Advocate Diksha Raut, and Ganga Bhandari. The document primarily focuses on
technological innovation, AI research, ethical AI development, data security,
and regulation, while offering key recommendations.
"The CAN Federation believes that Nepal can
achieve self-reliance in AI and compete globally if it promotes the development
and research of new technologies. The concept paper underscores the importance
of prioritising ethical values, ensuring digital inclusion, and safeguarding
human rights while developing AI technologies," CAN Federation said in the
statement.
Furthermore, the CAN Federation has emphasised that AI
development should be guided by strong ethical principles, ensuring that its
application does not cause harm. The federation has also stressed the necessity
of a robust system for data security to prevent misuse and called for stringent
regulations to safeguard data privacy.
President of CAN Federation, Sunaina Ghimire Pandey, said
that Nepal requires a well-structured policy and institutional initiatives for
sustainable AI development. She noted that AI holds the potential to
revolutionise education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and
administration.
Dr. Shaligram Parajuli, IT expert at the Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology, said that the role and support of
stakeholders, including the CAN Federation, would be crucial in making the AI
policy effective. He emphasised that the policy should be implemented in an
open and transparent environment and assured that the government would incorporate
collective opinions and recommendations while drafting the policy for swift
implementation.
According to CAN Federation General Secretary Chandra
Bilash Bhurtel, the primary objective of the recommendations is to create an
AI-friendly environment in Nepal and enhance its global competitiveness in AI
advancements.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 February 2025.
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