Digital Gandaki Dialogue: Shaping Nepal’s Tech Future in Pokhara
Last Updated on by ICT BYTE
Digital Gandaki Samvad to Chart Province’s Tech Trajectory in Pokhara
Pokhara, Nepal – A significant dialogue aimed at fostering technological advancement and advocating for robust policies is set to convene in the picturesque city of Pokhara. The highly anticipated ‘Digital Gandaki Samvad’ (Digital Gandaki Dialogue) is scheduled to bring together key stakeholders to deliberate on the future of information and communication technology (ICT) in the Gandaki Province.
Event Details: Digital Gandaki Samvad 2026
Organized collaboratively by the Computer Association of Nepal Federation (CAN Federation) Gandaki Province and the CAN Federation Kaski District, this pivotal event will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026 (Jestha 23, 2083 BS). The conclave is designed as a high-level forum for leading tech experts, forward-thinking policymakers, government officials, and influential industry figures.
The primary objective is to engage in in-depth discussions on contemporary ICT challenges and opportunities, with the ultimate goal of developing an actionable roadmap for the province’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. This initiative aligns with Nepal’s broader push towards digitalization and aims to translate national digital ambitions into provincial realities.
A National Vision Driven by Local Action
The conceptual underpinnings of this significant movement have been shaped under the strategic guidance of IT industry veteran and CAN Federation President (A), Chiranjibi Adhikari. Under his leadership, the Nepalese IT sector has been progressively advancing, elevating digital transformation from a mere regional topic to a critical component of the national agenda.
Industry leaders emphasize that establishing localized benchmarks for digital infrastructure is paramount for sustained economic growth within Nepal’s federal structure. This approach ensures that digital development is not only top-down but also responsive to the specific needs and potential of each province.
Gandaki Province’s Digital Hub Ambitions
In sync with this national momentum, Gunanidhi Pandey, President of CAN Federation Gandaki Province, highlighted the ‘Digital Gandaki’ framework as a cornerstone for regional development. He stated that integrating the province’s unique socioeconomic landscape with modern technological advancements is crucial for positioning Gandaki Province as a leading digital hub within Nepal.
“Our aim is to harness technology to unlock new avenues for economic growth and improve public services for the citizens of Gandaki,” Pandey remarked. “This dialogue is a crucial step in that direction.”
Three Strategic Pillars for Digital Gandaki
The upcoming dialogue will concentrate on three core strategic agendas designed to significantly influence Nepal’s technological landscape:
1. Nepal Budget 2083/84 and the IT Roadmap
A key focus will be the meticulous analysis of the budget allocations for the upcoming fiscal year (2083/84 BS). Discussions will assess how these allocations align with national digital transformation objectives. Stakeholders will delve into policy priorities, potential fiscal incentives for IT startups, and the strategic plans necessary to migrate traditional public services to efficient, citizen-centric digital platforms.
This segment is vital for ensuring that government spending effectively supports the growth of the digital economy and enhances service delivery across Nepal.
2. Sovereign AI for Nepal: Data Sovereignty and Local LLMs
As global concerns over data security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance escalate, the Samvad will explore the implementation of Sovereign AI frameworks in Nepal. This includes strategies for safeguarding national data sovereignty, developing localized Large Language Models (LLMs) trained on Nepalese languages, and fostering digital self-reliance to reduce dependency on foreign technological infrastructure.
The emphasis on Sovereign AI is particularly relevant for Nepal, aiming to build indigenous technological capabilities while ensuring data privacy and security.
3. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in ICT for Scaled Growth
Recognizing that a robust digital ecosystem thrives on collaboration, the forum will evaluate effective Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models tailored for the ICT sector. This involves exploring collaborative frameworks between municipal bodies, provincial governments, and private IT companies.
The goal is to accelerate the expansion of high-speed IT infrastructure, data centers, and digital literacy programs throughout Gandaki Province, ensuring widespread access and adoption of digital technologies.
Local Implementation is Key
Purushottam Kunwar, President of CAN Federation Kaski, underscored the importance of practical application: “Strategic frameworks provide direction, but localized IT implementation and precise execution are the true keys to success. We must ensure that these digital policies translate into practical, accessible tools for the businesses, students, and local authorities right here in Kaski.”
Bottom Line for Nepal: A Blueprint for Digital Progress
The organizers express strong confidence that the insights, whitepapers, and resolutions emerging from the Digital Gandaki Samvad will serve as a foundational element in shaping the official digital transformation blueprint for Gandaki Province. This dialogue is expected to cultivate a more collaborative, secure, and prosperous technological environment, ultimately benefiting all Nepalese citizens and reinforcing Nepal’s position in the global digital landscape.
The event promises to be a landmark occasion, setting a precedent for how provinces can proactively engage in shaping their digital futures, contributing significantly to the nation’s overall digital progress and economic development.
