Talk Program on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Its Implication for Nepal' organized by AFCAN, CDD and FIPMO

7 December 2025, 11:00 AM, Hotel Tulip, Gwarko, Lalitpur

Esteemed Chairperson of AFCAN Amb. Bhagirath Basnet,

Founder President of CDD, Amb. Mohan Krishna Shrestha,

Distinguished members of FIPMO,

Keynote Speaker Prof. Dr. Suresh Manandhar, and other distinguished speakers

Ladies and gentlemen,

Namaste and Good Morning.

It is my privilege to address this distinguished gathering of Nepal's diplomatic veterans and intellectual leaders this morning.

Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to 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) for organizing this timely and highly relevant talk programme on Artificial Intelligence and Its Implications for Nepal.

I am neither a digital expert nor an official from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

Yet, as a diplomat-and as Foreign Secretary-AI concerns me directly. The question is simple: What does AI have to do with foreign policy?

The answer is equally simple: AI is no longer just a matter of science and technology; AI is now a matter of foreign policy.

It is reshaping global power, redefining strategic competition, influencing development prospects and transforming the foundations of international relations.

No nation can manage its risks or harness its opportunities alone. Diplomacy is essential to ensure that AI benefits humanity while minimizing its dangers.

During my time at the United Nations, I witnessed firsthand the pace at which global discourse around AI was evolving. On March 21, 2024, the UN General Assembly, for the first time, adopted its first major AI resolution (A/78/L.49), calling for safe, secure and trustworthy AI to benefit all nations, protect human rights and support sustainable development goals, setting a global framework for ethical AI governance and addressing risks like bias and the digital divide.

Today, the impact of AI touches everyone-how we work, how we think, how we communicate, and even how we make decisions.

Allow me to highlight few points while Nepal has to navigate itself within this rapidly changing technological landscape, both globally and domestically:

First, diplomacy today must operate in a world where technological disruptions move not in decades but in weeks.

As AI accelerates, our central question becomes: How do we protect and promote Nepal's national interests in an era defined by digital power? Cybersecurity-now a core component of hard security-sits at the heart of this challenge.

Second, technology has become a theatre of great-power rivalry.

For Nepal, our longstanding principle of non-alignment must evolve into a form of 'technological non-alignment'-ensuring digital sovereignty, avoiding dependence on dominant tech powers by building our own autonomous, community-focused digital infrastructures and platforms.

Third, in regional and multilateral forums, Nepal must advocate that AI be treated as a global public good, not an instrument of domination. The rules governing AI must be inclusive, fair and representative, and must be written through the participation of member states. We must resist the fragmentation of the internet into competing blocs, and we must champion for an inclusive digital future where no country is left behind.

Fourth, at home, Nepal has begun moving from conceptual debate to operational readiness.

The Cabinet's approval of the National AI Policy 2082 marks a major milestone.

With the establishment of the National AI Center, we aim to advance AI that is ethical, innovative and aligned with our development priorities. A strong emphasis on data sovereignty ensures that while we integrate globally, the data of Nepali citizens remains secure under Nepal's jurisdiction.

Fifth, the policy is visionary, but implementation will require partnership. We must ensure AI develops in ways that are ethical, inclusive and supportive of our national aspirations of broad-based and inclusive prosperity.

Sixth, our diplomats must not fall behind. The new generation of diplomats in Foreign Service must be familiar with digital tools. We are therefore preparing to equip our new cohort of Section Officers-nearly 100 of them-with training in AI.

Seventh, we must also capitalize on our natural strengths. With abundant hydropower and a naturally cool climate, Nepal has genuine potential to develop 'green data centers' in this digital age, turning geography into economic advantage.

Eighth, AI enables our youth to participate in the global economy without leaving the country. Our goal is clear: to export intelligence, not intellects. If we can sell our code, algorithms, games and services to the world, we can curb "brain-drain" and accelerate our economic transformation. With AI, true development leapfrogging is within reach.

Integrating AI into our national fabric is therefore not a technical exercise-it is a strategic imperative for security, prosperity and national progress.

Around the world, new rules and power structures are emerging vis-à-vis rapid evolution of AI. Nepal cannot remain a passive observer. In this digital era, influence is measured not by size, but by readiness, innovation and clarity of purpose.

The question is not whether AI will shape the future, but whether we will shape AI responsibly for the future we want.

Nepal's digital potential is significant. With the right strategy, we can position ourselves as a responsible and forward-looking voice in global AI governance.

To make use of AI in our governance, we can learn from Estonia which is a leading country in digital governance and is actively pioneering AI integration

in its public services, aiming for proactive, paperless government with high data security.

At the same time, we must be vigilant and proactive since AI is a double-edged sword. Vigilant-because AI carries risks: biasness, disinformation, cybersecurity threats and the potential to widen inequality. Proactive-because AI can transform education, health, agriculture, governance and economic competitiveness.

Ultimately, the choices we make today will determine whether AI becomes a force that empowers our citizens or leaves them behind.

AI itself is neither good nor bad-it is a mirror, reflecting the values of those who build and use it.

To conclude, superintelligence does not have to destroy humanity. It must empower humanity to destroy poverty, destitution and inequality.

Nepal must employ AI to leapfrog traditional stages of development and build an economy that is smarter, faster, fairer and globally connected. Nepal must employ AI to destroy poverty and build prosperity.

I am confident that today's discussion will contribute meaningfully to guiding Nepal's path forward. I wish the programme every success in advancing this vital national conversation as it is not just a technological choice. It is a national choice.

Thank you.