Experts from 20 Countries Discuss Internet and Technology in Nepal
Experts from 20 countries met in Nepal to exchange views on internet use, digital governance, and technology-related challenges. The four-day event, Asia Pacific School on Internet Governance (APSIG 2025), took place from 7th September to 10th September 2025.
The program was organized by the Asia Pacific School on Internet Governance, an institution that has been active in internet development for many years.
Discussions and Sessions
According to the Chairperson Baburam Aryal, the conference covered 16 discussion sessions featuring 22 expert presentations.
Vice-Chairperson Waqas Hasan shared that 34 fellows from 16 countries—including government officials, information technology professionals, professors, journalists, lawyers, rights advocates, and researchers—took part in the conference.
Main Topics Covered
Participants discussed several key issues related to technology and society, including:
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Responsible and safe use of the internet
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Policy and regulatory frameworks for online spaces
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Cybersecurity and data protection
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Digital literacy and awareness
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Social media management and misinformation control
The event also focused on how digital tools can be used safely while ensuring accountability and fairness online.
Inclusion and Digital Access
Discussions also addressed the need to increase internet access for underrepresented and remote communities. Journalist Jeevan Bhandari, one of the participants, noted that there were detailed presentations and group discussions among participants.
Shared Learning and Exchange
Participant Maryam Rasheed from Pakistan said the event allowed attendees to learn from the practices and experiences of other countries.
Sapana Shahi, Director of the Internet Governance Institute, informed that fellows and speakers from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Bhutan, Yemen, Mongolia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, and Japan participated in the event.
Closing Ceremony
At the closing session, Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan and APSIG Chairperson Baburam Aryal presented certificates to the participants for their active involvement throughout the program.
Conference