Digital Rights Summit 2025: Shaping Policies, Protecting Freedoms

A major highlight was the launch of the “State of Digital Rights and Safety in Nepal 2024” report, prepared by Digital Rights Nepal, which was unveiled by Hon. Top Bahadur Magar, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission. The report offers an in-depth analysis of Nepal’s digital rights landscape and sets the stage for crucial policy discussions. DRN Executive Director Santosh Sigdel presented the findings from the report, outlining the current challenges and progress made in the digital rights landscape in Nepal. Dipesh Bista, Member Secretary, E-Governance Board, shared valuable insights on the role of digital governance in advancing the digital rights agenda in Nepal.

The summit featured a keynote by Zachery Lampell, Senior Legal Advisor at ICNL, and three insightful panels:

Panel 1: Reviewing the Digital Rights Landscape in Nepal

Speakers: Anil Dutta (MoCIT), Taranath Dahal (Freedom Forum), Ms. Nirmala Sharma (FNJ), Mr. Murari Kharel (NHRC). Moderated by JB Biswokarma.

Panel 2: Policy Proposals Through a Digital Rights Lens

Speakers: Hon. Bhagawati Neupane (Chief Whip, National Assembly, UML), Mr. Subhash Dhakal (Department of National ID), Rukamanee Maharjan (Tribhuvan University). Moderated by Ujjwal Acharya.

Panel 3: The Way Forward for Digital Rights in Nepal

Speakers: Hon. Yogesh Bhattarai, Mr. Ramesh Sharma Paudyal (DOIT), Anuj Peter Rai (LGBTIQA+ activist), Babu Ram Aryal (DFC). Moderated by Bholanath Dhungana, Chairperson, Digital Rights Nepal.

This event sparked vital conversations about protecting digital freedoms while addressing growing concerns in cybersecurity, data protection, and online expression. A big thank you to all our panelists and participants for contributing to this critical dialogue!

Let’s continue working together to foster a secure, inclusive, and rights-respecting digital environment in Nepal!