UA hackathon Nepal 2025 concludes with launch of 'क्यान.संगठन', 1st Nepali language domain website

KATHMANDU: Universal Acceptance (UA) Hackathon Nepal 2025 concluded with the launch of 'क्यान.संगठन', the first website using a Nepali language domain. 

The event, titled "UA Hackathon Nepal 2025: Pioneering UA Ready Platforms", was organised by the Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) in collaboration with ICANN on Saturday in Kathmandu. It represents a historic step towards inclusivity in internet access and the advancement of the Nepali language.

The website, unveiled during the programme, marks the commencement of Nepali language's formal presence in the domain name system and is expected to facilitate its use in government and public services. According to the concept of Universal Acceptance, systems must be able to accept domain and email addresses written in local languages; such systems are termed UA-ready.

Radhika Arayal, Secretary at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT), stated that the use of Nepali domains will preserve language, identity and accessibility. She mentioned that Digital Nepal framework is under implementation, the AI policy is in its final stages and the cybersecurity bill is being registered in parliament. 

Ramesh Sharma Paudyal, Director General of Department of Information Technology, highlighted that around 70% of Nepalis not proficient in English still lack internet access and that providing Nepali domains and email addresses will help connect them to digital services.

Jaco du Toit, Head of UNESCO Nepal, said UA aligns with UNESCO’s recommendations on multilingualism and is ready for implementation in Nepal. 

Sunaina Ghimire Pandey, President of CAN Federation, described the event as a significant step in the computing journey of Nepali language, recalling previous efforts such as language standard development and the creation of a spell checker.

Supported by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Nepal, UNESCO, APNIC, Nepal Internet Exchange, WorldLink Communications, Mavorion Systems, Himalayan College for Learning Excellence (HICOLE) and Horion Interactive Board, the programme also featured Rupesh Shrestha, CEO of Nepal Internet Exchange, who emphasised the need to transition the .np domain in Nepali to a registry/registrar model to control scams and ensure authenticity.

According to Bibek Silwal, team lead for UA Hackathon Nepal, "Our objective was to show that not only website content but also domains and keywords can be in the Nepali language. This website launch is a significant milestone for the Nepali domain name industry, and we must now move forward under government leadership to apply for the '.Nepal' domain through a multilateral model."

The event was held in two sessions. The first session saw about 100 participants, including stakeholders, policymakers and technology enthusiasts, with 50 joining online via Zoom. The UA Hackathon session involved around 40 youths practising the creation of Nepali language email addresses.

Udip Baral, programme coordinator and manager of CAN Federation, expressed satisfaction, stating, "We have succeeded in meeting the programme's objectives. Partnerships with ICANN, UNESCO and APNIC have expanded our impact."