The seminar on Nepal’s AI Diplomacy highlights AI’s growing role in Nepal’s security, evolving technological landscape and sustainable growth in the digital age. The National Seminar on “AI and Diplomacy” organised by The Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy in Kathmandu, shared the importance of Nepal prioritising a formidable policy on AI immediately.
The panel discussion highlighted the need for the government to adopt AI proactively by developing a national strategy, investing in digital literacy and AI talent, and leveraging Nepal’s strategic position as a bridge between AI powerhouses. Ambassador Dinesh Bhattarai stated that the method of conducting diplomacy has transformed from classical diplomacy to “digital diplomacy.” The emergence of such diplomacy has created a complex landscape in foreign policy, especially with a call for balancing innovation with regulation.
Cyber Security Expert Dr Rajiv Subba highlighted AI’s growing role in Nepal’s security, noting that the Nepal Army Summit identified AI-enabled cybersecurity as a major threat. With over 20,000 registered cybersecurity cases, including deepfake-related crimes, he stressed the need for a stronger security apparatus. He also pointed to the Nepal Police’s use of AI-driven tools like smart CCTV and facial recognition technology.
The seminar emphasised developing Nepal as an AI development-neutral ground for trust-lacking countries in the South Asian region. As Nepal has the headquarters of SAARC, similarly, Nepal can push itself as an AI development Center that can cater to Pakistan, India, China and Bangladesh. The government has to create policies to navigate the evolving technological landscape and foster sustainable growth in the digital age.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges for developing countries like Nepal. Situated between India and China, Nepal must balance innovation with regulation to maximize benefits and mitigate disruptive impacts. This requires collaboration and cooperation with regional and global actors through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.