FIPMO AFCAN and DDC seminar_Dec 2025
On December 7, 2025, a high-level national talk programme titled “Artificial Intelligence and Its Implications for Nepal” was held in Gwarko, Lalitpur. The event was jointly organized by the Association of Former Career Ambassadors of Nepal (AFCAN), the Centre for Diplomacy and Development (CDD), and the Forum of Former International Professionals of Multilateral Organizations (FIPMO).
Chief Guest & Speakerक
Amrit Bahadur Rai: Foreign Secretary of Nepal, who served as the Chief Guest and delivered a major address calling for "technological non-alignment" in Nepali foreign policy.
Prof. Dr. Suresh Manandhar: Keynote Speaker who presented on the socio-economic potential of AI in transforming Nepal’s agriculture, education, and healthcare sectors.
Mr. Bihan Rana: Delivered a presentation on how Nepal can commercially tap into the global AI market and integrate into international value chains.
Mr. Anil Raghuvanshi: Spoke on ensuring data safety, the ethical use of AI, and reducing dependence on foreign AI systems.
Host Organizers & Chairs
Ambassador Bhagirath Basnet: President of the Association of Former Career Ambassadors of Nepal (AFCAN). He delivered the welcome remarks and opened the seminar.
Ambassador Mohan Krishna Shrestha: Founder President of the Centre for Diplomacy and Development (CDD).
Ms. Samjhana Shrestha: Chairperson of the Forum of Former International Professionals of Multilateral Organizations (FIPMO). She delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the event.
Key Addresses & Themes
AI as a Foreign Policy Priority:
In his speech, the Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai emphasized that AI has evolved far beyond a technological issue and is now central to geopolitics and foreign policy. He remarked that "AI is no longer just a matter of science and technology; it is now a matter of foreign policy," shaping global power dynamics, strategic competition, and development pathways.
He proposed that Nepal's traditional foreign policy of non-alignment must expand into technological non-alignment. This means ensuring digital and data sovereignty, protecting national security (particularly as cybersecurity becomes a core part of hard security), and avoiding over-dependence on dominant foreign tech systems by building autonomous, community-focused local digital platforms.
Speakers welcomed the government's approval of the National AI Policy 2082 (2025) and plans for a National AI Center. Furthermore, the Foreign Secretary announced that nearly 100 newly recruited Section Officers in the foreign service would undergo AI-focused training to strengthen digital competency in Nepal's diplomatic corps.
The speakers also highlighted how AI can optimize public service delivery and transform critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. AI offers a unique economic pathway for Nepal's youth to participate in the global economy from home—exporting code, algorithms, and digital services rather than migrating abroad.
Key Takeaways
The seminar concluded with a consensus that AI is a double-edged sword—bringing risks like disinformation, bias, and cyber threats, alongside immense developmental benefits. The participating organizations and speakers agreed that Nepal must actively pursue digital sovereignty and proactive policies to strategically shape its own digital future. The meeting brought together senior diplomats, experts, and policymakers to discuss Nepal's strategic response to the global AI revolution.
