Kathmandu, October 9. Minister for Information and Communications Dr. Bikram Timilsina has stated that the government is creating a conducive environment to engage the country's youth—viewed as national capital—in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Addressing the fifth edition of the ‘Nepal Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2026,’ organized by the Nepal Business Institute and the Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CBFIN), he remarked that the country's economic prosperity could be achieved by leveraging the knowledge, skills, creativity, and technological aptitude of the youth.
"A nation's greatest strength and capital lies in its youth workforce. Without investing in research and innovation, it is impossible for young people to realize their dreams and achieve economic prosperity within the country. The government’s role is to create the necessary environment, while the private sector must provide the supporting partnership," he said.
Noting the growing global interest and engagement of the younger generation in entrepreneurship, Communications Minister Timilsina stated that Nepal is also facilitating the utilization of youth potential and capabilities in sectors such as production, services, and technology. He emphasized that the development of innovation and entrepreneurship cannot be achieved through the efforts of a single entity alone, highlighting the need for coordination and collaboration among the government, the private sector, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. Noting the growing pool of skilled professionals and experts in Nepal's information technology sector, he clarified that the government intends to leverage this development as an opportunity for the country's economic transformation.
He pointed out that while a large number of Nepali youths currently go abroad for employment, it is possible to deliver Nepali services to the global market through information technology in the future.
"We must now move towards selling services rather than just labor and manpower. Through information technology, services can be provided globally while remaining in Nepal. This can create opportunities for youth within the country and contribute to the national economy," he said.
Communications Minister Timilsina stated that the government has prioritized bridging the digital divide, expanding internet access, and improving service quality to fully harness the potential of information technology. He mentioned that the government is working to launch 5G services this year, aiming for significant progress in the telecommunications sector.
Noting that discussions are underway with relevant agencies on how the country can maximize economic benefits from opportunities in the IT sector, he emphasized the need to link technological expansion with employment, production, and economic activities.
Highlighting the relationship between technology and human creativity, Minister Timilsina expressed the view that while technology can alter working methods, it should be utilized as a tool to enhance human capabilities rather than diminish the importance of people. “We must be able to integrate technology with human creativity and derive maximum benefit from it. While information technology can alter the nature of work, it has not diminished the value of human beings; we need to utilize technology as a tool to reap its benefits,” he said.
Noting that the government's responsibility extends beyond mere policy formulation, he clarified that efforts would be made to ensure citizens, entrepreneurs, and the overall economy derive direct benefits through the effective implementation of policies.
Discussing the evolving trends in education and skill development,
Minister for Communication Dr. Timilsina observed that while the emphasis was previously placed on acquiring academic qualifications, the focus is now shifting toward education based on the skills and capabilities required for the future. He emphasized the need to equip youth with skills aligned with market demands and prepare them for entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sudan Jha, a member of the National Planning Commission, stated that although Nepal's standing in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is improving, it remains weak.
He noted the increasing participation of Nepali youth in AI and entrepreneurship, as well as the expanding investment in the information technology sector. He added that the government has prioritized the effective implementation of AI-related policies to capitalize on these opportunities.
Dr. Jha highlighted that the use of AI could enhance government service delivery, boost economic contribution, ensure data security, and create employment opportunities across various sectors. He also noted that AI could play a significant role in making the economy more competitive by boosting production and productivity.
Highlighting that AI facilitates problem-solving and enhances work efficiency, he stated that Nepal, too, could benefit from the proper use of this technology.
