NYC concludes two-day workshop on digital literacy, AI readiness in Bhaktapur

BHAKTAPUR: A two-day workshop on digital literacy, AI readiness and responsible digital leadership for National Youth Council (NYC) officials concluded at the National Youth Council premises in Bhaktapur on May 17.

Organised by the National Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (NFPPD) and the NYC, with technical assistance from Foundation for the Future (FFTF) and support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA in Nepal) through the KOICA-funded SAFE-Girls project, the event brought together 41 participants from NYC offices and youth networks at national and provincial levels.

The programme aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge of digital governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital communication, online safety and leadership in digital spaces. Over two days, eight interactive sessions were delivered by experts in information technology, cybersecurity, digital governance, education technology, communication, human rights and innovation.

Speakers included Subhash Dhakal on digital transformation strategies and national cybersecurity initiatives; Shreejwol Disti on SOC operations and AI-enhanced security systems; Prasanna Dhungel on AI-driven solutions and youth policy advocacy; Padam Raj Pant on digital learning systems; Sudhamshu Dahal on ICT for development and media literacy; and Santosh Sigdel on digital rights and online safety.

UNFPA facilitators Abhiram Roy and Ji Sun Park led a session on technology-facilitated gender-based violence, online harassment and reporting mechanisms. That session examined the gender digital divide in Nepal, the risks faced by marginalised communities and the role of education and community awareness in preventing online harm. The UNFPA team also co-led the final session on the NYC Digital Literacy Roadmap and Institutionalisation Plan.

A key outcome of the workshop was a roadmap development exercise in which participants worked in groups to identify priorities, challenges and actionable strategies to strengthen the council’s long-term digital systems and institutional practices. The exercise produced practical steps aimed at improving communication systems, coordinated digital engagement and expansion at provincial and national levels.

Participants took part in discussions, hands-on exercises and collaborative learning activities. Many attendees said the workshop provided timely and useful knowledge and requested more advanced training on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital governance and strategic digital communication.

The programme concluded with closing reflections, certificate distribution and a collective commitment from participants and partners to continue promoting digital literacy, AI readiness, responsible digital leadership and safe online engagement among youth institutions and communities across Nepal.