Girls in ICT Day Nepal 2025 – Launch

On 23 May 2025, a high-level inauguration was held at Hotel Himalaya in Kathmandu, officially launching the program and bringing together key stakeholders to set a strong and inspiring tone for the initiatives ahead. In the rapidly evolving digital world, equitable access to technology was not only about connectivity but also about creating opportunities. This year’s theme highlighted the urgent need to ensure that young women and girls, particularly those in vulnerable situations, were included equitably in the digital transformation process. By fostering meaningful global connectivity and promoting a barrier-free digital ecosystem, the initiative empowered the next generation while contributing to sustainable and inclusive global growth.

Provisional Agenda

Event Details:

  • Date: 23 May 2025
  • Time: 09:00 – 16:00 (Nepal Standard Time, UTC +5:45)
  • Venue: Hotel Himalaya, Sahid Sukra Marg, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal

09:00 – 13:00

Morning Session

Welcome and Introduction

MC:

  • Ms Pratikshya Budhathoki, Assistant Director, Nepal Telecommunications Authority

Welcoming remarks

  • Mr Bhupendra Bhandari, Chairman, Nepal Telecommunications Authority
  • Video message from Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, BDT Director, ITU
  • Representative, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
  • Mr Jaco Du Toit, UNESCO Representative to Nepal and Head of the Office
  • Ms Radhika Aryal, Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

Official launch of Girls in ICT Nepal

Group photo & coffee break

Panel Discussion – Session 1: Get inspired with women leaders in the ICTs

Moderated by:

  • Ms Palpasa Tuladhar Kansakar, Executive Member, Women In Information Technology

Speakers:

  • Ms Pratikshya Pandey, Founder, Smart Cheli
  • Ms Nhasala Joshi, President, Women Leaders in Technology
  • Ms Sarita Lamichhane, Chairperson, Prayatna Nepal
  • Ms Sunaina Ghimire Pandey, President, CAN Federation (Virtual)
  • Ms Roja Kiran Basukala, Deputy Director, Nepal Telecommunications Authority

Quiz question for the audience

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch break

14:00 – 16:00

Afternoon Session

Panel Discussion – Session 2: Empowering Journeys: Women Leaders in the ICT Industry

Moderated by:

  • Ms Elisha Rajbhandari, Co-founder, Sciever Inc.

Panellists

  • Ms Dibya Tara Shakya, Assistant Manager, Global IME Bank
  • Humkala Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies
  • Ms Karvika Thapa, CEO, Kimbu Tech
  • Dr Dovan Rai, Executive Director, Body and Data
  • Ms Sangita Pahadi, Managing Director, Nepal Telecom

Panel Discussion – Session 3: Empowering Journeys: Women Leaders from Academia

Moderated by:

  • Ms Richa Neupane, Udeshya: Girls in STEM

Panellists

  • Ms Stella Koirala, BCA Coordinator, Kathmandu Business Campus
  • Ms Dakshina Shrestha, Principal, Sagarmatha Engineering College
  • Ms Deepika Rimal Thapa, Senior Vice-President, Private and Boarding Schools Organization, Nepal
  • Dr Tista Prasai Joshi, Senior Scientist, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology
  • Salina Dangol, IT Director, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

Closing Remarks

  • Representative, Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens
  • Ms Pranita Upadhyaya, Head, ITU Area Office for South Asia and Innovation Centre, Delhi
  • Mr Min Prasad Aryal, Director, Nepal Telecommunications Authority