Foreign Secretary Calls for ‘Technological Non-Alignment’ as AFCAN Hosts National Dialogue on AI
Kathmandu — A high-level talk programme on “Artificial Intelligence and Its Implications for Nepal” was held in Kathmandu on Sunday, bringing together senior diplomats, experts and policymakers for a national dialogue on Nepal’s digital future. The event was jointly organized by the Association of Former Career Ambassadors of Nepal (AFCAN), the Centre for Diplomacy and Development (CDD) and the Former International Professionals of Multilateral Organizations (FIPMO). Delivering the welcome remarks, AFCAN President Amb. Bhagirath Basnet opened the programme and invited Chief Guest and Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai to address the gathering.
In his statement, Foreign Secretary Rai emphasized that AI has evolved far beyond a technological subject and is now central to global foreign policy, affecting power structures, strategic competition and development pathways. He said the accelerating pace of technological disruption requires Nepal to protect its national interests by strengthening digital governance, cybersecurity and institutional readiness. Reflecting on his experience at the United Nations, he highlighted the importance of the UN General Assembly’s first-ever resolution on AI adopted in March 2024, which calls for safe, secure and trustworthy AI. He underscored that Nepal’s longstanding foreign policy principle must now extend into what he termed “technological non-alignment,” ensuring digital sovereignty while avoiding over-dependence on powerful foreign tech ecosystems.
Rai welcomed the government’s approval of the National AI Policy 2082 and the forthcoming National AI Center, calling them major steps toward translating AI discussions into action. He noted Nepal’s inherent advantages abundant hydropower and a naturally cool climate that position the country to develop competitive green data centers. Stressing the importance of preparing Nepal’s workforce, he said new cohorts of Section Officers in the foreign service will receive AI-related training. He also noted AI’s potential to allow Nepali youth to participate in the global economy without leaving the country, stating, “Our goal is to export intelligence, not intellects.”
Following the Foreign Secretary’s remarks, Keynote Speaker Prof. Dr. Suresh Manandhar delivered a comprehensive presentation on how AI can transform Nepal’s education, healthcare and agriculture sectors. He outlined how AI-based tools could enhance learning systems, improve diagnostic processes, increase agricultural productivity and strengthen public service delivery, calling for broader collaboration among government, academia and industry.
The programme continued with thematic presentations by experts. Mr. Bihan Rana discussed Nepal’s potential to commercially benefit from the growing global AI market, emphasizing opportunities for Nepali professionals, startups and digital service providers to integrate into international value chains. Mr. Anil Raghuvanshi addressed the importance of reducing dependency on foreign AI systems, ensuring data safety and advancing the responsible and ethical use of AI within Nepal. A Q&A session followed, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers on issues related to digital infrastructure, policy execution and Nepal’s position in global AI governance.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Samjhana Shrestha, President of FIPMO. Tokens of appreciation were presented to the speakers and distinguished guests, with Foreign Secretary Rai honored by Amb. Bhagirath Basnet, Keynote Speaker Prof. Dr. Manandhar recognized by Amb. Mohan K. Shrestha, and presenters Mr. Bihan Rana and Mr. Anil Raghuvanshi felicitated by Ms. Shrestha and a CDD representative respectively.
The programme closed with a shared commitment to advancing a responsible, inclusive and secure AI ecosystem in Nepal. Organizers and participants agreed that the country must pursue a forward-looking strategy that strengthens digital sovereignty, maximizes technological opportunities and positions Nepal as a proactive contributor in shaping global AI governance.
