UNDP launches the 2025 Global Human Development Report in Kathmandu and urges for AI strategies that include everyone

KATHMANDU, JUNE 11 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal and the Nepal Economic Forum together launched the 2025 global Human Development Report titled "A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" at an event in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The event was attended by government officials, development partners, academics, civil society groups, media, and youth representatives. It included a panel discussion on “Making AI Work for Nepal,” which looked at how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help promote fair development, improve governance, and create equal opportunities for everyone.

The report warns that progress in human development worldwide has slowed down to the lowest level in 35 years, and the gap between rich and poor countries is growing. It urges the need for new ideas to boost development and points out that AI is a powerful tool that can bring big benefits—but only if used carefully and fairly.

At the launch, Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, UNDP’s head in Nepal, said, “The report reminds us that development progress isn’t guaranteed. In Nepal, our challenge is to use digital technology and AI not just for innovation, but to improve people’s lives and make sure no one is left behind.”

Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology said Nepal is at an important moment as AI is changing how people learn, work, and how the government operates. He explained that the government has created an AI Vision focused on people, aiming for a strong and flexible digital transformation that supports inclusion rather than exclusion, empowers people instead of controlling them, and puts people’s needs before profits.

Alexandru Oprunenco, a UNDP innovation expert, shared key points from the report. He noted that Nepal’s Human Development Index has improved by 54% in the past 35 years, but challenges remain, especially in income and gender equality. He stressed that AI should help enhance human skills, not replace people.

The panel discussion, led by Sujeev Shakya of Nepal Economic Forum, talked about whether Nepal is ready for AI-driven growth. Participants emphasized the need for teamwork and flexible governance to ensure AI benefits all Nepalis.

Adesh Khadka from the Ministry of Communication and IT updated the audience on Nepal’s National AI Policy, which is part of the Digital Nepal Framework 2.0. He said AI could drive big job growth in farming, health, and technology.

Parag Shrestha, Managing Director of Fusemachines South Asia, said Nepal has the talent and resources to grow a strong AI industry if investments and partnerships between the public and private sectors increase.

British Ambassador Rob Fenn warned that mistakes with AI could cause problems early on. He stressed the need for safeguards against misinformation and called for better digital education as key steps toward making Nepal AI-ready.

Sunaina Ghimire Pandey, President of the Federation of Computer Associations Nepal, called for AI plans that include women, students, and marginalized groups. She urged more investment in awareness, infrastructure, and digital skills.

In closing, Radhika Aryal, Secretary at the Ministry of Communication and IT, said that while Nepal is advancing in digital technology, benefits are not yet evenly spread. She highlighted AI’s great potential and said that if used wisely, it can bring fair digital progress to the whole country.

As Nepal continues to build its digital infrastructure and encourage innovation, this event helped bring people together to agree on how to develop AI in a fair, ethical, and people-focused way. UNDP also confirmed its commitment to supporting Nepal in aligning AI development with sustainable human development goals.

KATHMANDU, JUNE 11 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal and the Nepal Economic Forum together launched the 2025 global Human Development Report titled "A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" at an event in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The event was attended by government officials, development partners, academics, civil society groups, media, and youth representatives. It included a panel discussion on “Making AI Work for Nepal,” which looked at how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help promote fair development, improve governance, and create equal opportunities for everyone.

The report warns that progress in human development worldwide has slowed down to the lowest level in 35 years, and the gap between rich and poor countries is growing. It urges the need for new ideas to boost development and points out that AI is a powerful tool that can bring big benefits—but only if used carefully and fairly.

At the launch, Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, UNDP’s head in Nepal, said, “The report reminds us that development progress isn’t guaranteed. In Nepal, our challenge is to use digital technology and AI not just for innovation, but to improve people’s lives and make sure no one is left behind.”

Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology said Nepal is at an important moment as AI is changing how people learn, work, and how the government operates. He explained that the government has created an AI Vision focused on people, aiming for a strong and flexible digital transformation that supports inclusion rather than exclusion, empowers people instead of controlling them, and puts people’s needs before profits.

Alexandru Oprunenco, a UNDP innovation expert, shared key points from the report. He noted that Nepal’s Human Development Index has improved by 54% in the past 35 years, but challenges remain, especially in income and gender equality. He stressed that AI should help enhance human skills, not replace people.

The panel discussion, led by Sujeev Shakya of Nepal Economic Forum, talked about whether Nepal is ready for AI-driven growth. Participants emphasized the need for teamwork and flexible governance to ensure AI benefits all Nepalis.

Adesh Khadka from the Ministry of Communication and IT updated the audience on Nepal’s National AI Policy, which is part of the Digital Nepal Framework 2.0. He said AI could drive big job growth in farming, health, and technology.

Parag Shrestha, Managing Director of Fusemachines South Asia, said Nepal has the talent and resources to grow a strong AI industry if investments and partnerships between the public and private sectors increase.

British Ambassador Rob Fenn warned that mistakes with AI could cause problems early on. He stressed the need for safeguards against misinformation and called for better digital education as key steps toward making Nepal AI-ready.

Sunaina Ghimire Pandey, President of the Federation of Computer Associations Nepal, called for AI plans that include women, students, and marginalized groups. She urged more investment in awareness, infrastructure, and digital skills.

In closing, Radhika Aryal, Secretary at the Ministry of Communication and IT, said that while Nepal is advancing in digital technology, benefits are not yet evenly spread. She highlighted AI’s great potential and said that if used wisely, it can bring fair digital progress to the whole country.

As Nepal continues to build its digital infrastructure and encourage innovation, this event helped bring people together to agree on how to develop AI in a fair, ethical, and people-focused way. UNDP also confirmed its commitment to supporting Nepal in aligning AI development with sustainable human development goals.