Nepal's Framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use and Practice

Nepal's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has prepared a framework to facilitate the use and practice of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to address the lack of existing policies and laws, providing a solid foundation for future developments in AI.

Formation and Composition of the Committee

The framework was developed by a committee formed by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. The committee, led by Under-Secretary Anil Kumar Dutta, included Deputy Secretary Narayan Timilsina, IT Director Pavitra Dangol, Associate Professor Dr. Baburam Dawadi, and Computer Engineer Suryaprakash Upadhyay as the secretary.

Key Recommendations

The report, prepared over five months, includes several recommendations for the development, use, and regulation of AI:

• Policy and Legal Framework: The government needs to establish policies, laws, and procedures for AI development, use, and regulation. This includes addressing cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy at the policy level.

• National AI Policy: The report suggests creating a national AI policy within six months, an AI Act within a year, and a data protection framework. Sector-specific regulations should be developed within two years.

• Integrated National Portal: An integrated national portal should be developed for AI-related information exchange, prioritizing research, development, and utilization of AI.

Strategic Implementation

The committee's report outlines a strategic plan for AI implementation:

• Research and Development: Prioritize AI research and development, and implement programs to accelerate AI use in various sectors.

• National and Sectoral Projects: Develop national projects and sectoral initiatives to leverage AI's transformative nature for economic and social development.

• Data Security and Privacy: Establish policies and laws that align with international standards for data security and user privacy.

Human Capital Development

The report emphasizes the importance of identifying existing human resources and enhancing their capabilities. It highlights the need for skilled personnel in both public and private sectors to drive AI development, use, and promotion.

Areas for AI Application

AI should be applied in various sectors, including:

• Disease prevention and treatment
• Financial services and analysis
• Construction and manufacturing
• Education and development
• Communication and experience enhancement
• Organizational management
• Government services
• Social security
• Sports
• Research and development
• Agriculture
• Tourism

AI Strategy Components

The AI strategy should include:

• Data and digital infrastructure
• Financial and economic arrangements to support AI startups
• Research and development
• Ethics and data privacy
• Security and regulation
• Skill and capacity building
• Industrialization of technology
• Sector-specific initiatives

Comparative Analysis

The report includes a comparative analysis of AI strategies from various regions and countries, including the European Union, United Nations, Nordic-Baltic region, UAE, India, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, and South Korea.

Conclusion

This comprehensive report by the technical committee provides a roadmap for Nepal to develop and implement AI effectively. By following these recommendations, Nepal aims to integrate AI into various sectors, ensuring secure, ethical, and efficient use of this technology for national development.