KATHMANDU: Minister for Information and Communications Dr Bikram Timilsina has said the government is committed to expanding the scope of cooperation with various United Nations (UN) agencies for digital transformation, cyber security, media reform and enhancement of institutional capacity.

During his meeting with the UN representatives at the Ministry on Friday, the Minister shed light on government priorities on digital frontier like reforms in service delivery, prevention of cyber-attacks, journalists’ security and the utilisation of information technology.

UN residential coordinator for Nepal, Lila Peters Yahiya, stressed control of cyber-crime, strengthening of transparent governance and the effective infusion of IT in service delivery. She also expressed her concerns over a situation that makes children and women more vulnerable to social sites-assisted risks.

Similarly, UN Development Programme, Nepal resident representative Kyoko Yokosuka was of the view of further consolidating the collaboration regarding the Nagarik App, government integrated office management system (GISM) and Hello Sarkar. She echoed the need for fostering institutional collaboration and digital literacy to control misinformation and propaganda.

UNESCO Nepal Representative Jaco du Toit raised the issues of Nepal’s media scenario, journalists’ safety and capacity enhancement. He hinted at the possibility of collaboration with the government for training on artificial intelligence (AI) and IT-friendly service system for civil service employees as well.

World Food Programme (WFP) Nepal representative and country director Riaz Lodhi was also of further reinforcing coordination and collaboration in the areas of food security, disaster management and the emergency humanitarian aid.

Head of the UN Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Programme in Nepal, Ulrich Meiser, shared the possible cooperation in strengthening legal structures concerning electronic transactions in Nepal. As he informed, Nepal’s participation in the UN Convention against Cyber Crime will help Nepal mitigate crypto currency fraud and cyber offences.

On the occasion, the Minister reiterated that Nepal is committed to freedom of expression, press freedom and democratic communications system. He apprised the delegation of the initiatives on structural reforms of law and policy, aiming to increase media accountability. Dr Timilsina pledged intensification of media regulation and surveillance against social contents sensitive towards women and children.

According to him, the government is sensitive towards the safety and empowerment of journalists. Stating that digital transformation is the government priority, he said effective and civic-friendly service delivery has been expected the after IT reforms. Expansion of IT services, reforms of postal services, digital infrastructure development and institutional capacity enhancement are the government’s top priorities, the Minister explained.