KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Dr. Bikram Timilsina has said the government is committed to expanding cooperation with various United Nations (UN) agencies in the areas of digital transformation, cybersecurity, media reform, and institutional capacity building.
During a meeting with UN representatives at the Ministry on Friday, Minister Timilsina highlighted the government’s priorities in the digital sector, including reforms in public service delivery, prevention of cyberattacks, journalists’ safety, and the effective use of information technology.
UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, Lila Peters Yahya, emphasized the need to combat cybercrime, strengthen transparent governance, and promote the effective integration of information technology in public services. She also expressed concern over the growing risks faced by women and children through social media platforms.
Similarly, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka stressed the importance of further strengthening collaboration on initiatives such as the Nagarik App, the Government Integrated Office Management System (GIOMS), and Hello Sarkar. She also highlighted the need to enhance institutional cooperation and digital literacy to counter misinformation and disinformation.
UNESCO Nepal Representative Jaco du Toit raised issues related to Nepal’s media landscape, journalists’ safety, and capacity building. He also indicated the possibility of collaborating with the government on training programs related to artificial intelligence (AI) and IT-enabled service delivery for civil servants.
Likewise, World Food Programme (WFP) Nepal Representative and Country Director Riaz Lodhi emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination and collaboration in the areas of food security, disaster management, and emergency humanitarian assistance.
Head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Programme in Nepal, Ulrich Meiser, discussed potential cooperation in strengthening Nepal’s legal framework for electronic transactions. He noted that Nepal’s participation in the UN Convention against Cybercrime could help address cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-related offences.
On the occasion, Minister Timilsina reiterated Nepal’s commitment to freedom of expression, press freedom, and a democratic communications system. He informed the delegation about ongoing efforts to reform laws and policies aimed at enhancing media accountability.
The minister also pledged stronger monitoring and regulation of online content that could pose risks to women and children.
Stating that digital transformation remains a key government priority, Dr. Timilsina said IT reforms are expected to make public service delivery more efficient, accessible, and citizen-friendly.
According to him, the expansion of digital services, modernization of postal services, development of digital infrastructure, and enhancement of institutional capacity are among the government’s top priorities.
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