FM Dr. Rana stresses need for keeping pace with technology

 Kathmandu, Mar. 20

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba emphasised the necessity of keeping pace with the rapid and innovative developments in digital technology in the modern era.

"If we fail to keep up with the rapid advancements in technology, we risk being left behind. Nepal is prepared for the inevitable transformation that comes with digital progress," she said while addressing a session on Digital Public Infrastructure at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India, on Thursday.  

According to her, digital infrastructure can help bridge the digital divide, empower communities and serve as a foundation for an inclusive society.

Comparing digital infrastructure to essential utilities such as roads, electricity, and water, she explained that digital identity, payment systems, and data exchange play a crucial role in democratising governance, economic liberalisation and service accessibility.

FM Dr. Rana informed that Nepal’s digital initiatives are guided by the e-Governance Policy and the Digital Nepal Framework (DNF). The government is currently in the process of implementing the Personal Data Protection Act, aiming to strengthen cybersecurity mechanisms to safeguard citizens' privacy and national digital assets.

The DNF prioritises agriculture, healthcare, and education, providing farmers with cost, time, and market data, facilitating telemedicine in remote areas, and offering e-learning opportunities for students.

FM DR. Rana also highlighted the role of digital technology in predicting climate disasters, optimising supply chains, improving education accessibility, and alerting farmers about monsoons.

  Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 March 2025.