IRGDD, KAIT sign MoU to deepen AI and technology cooperation

KATHMANDU: International Relations and Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD) in Nepal and the Korea Association for AI & ICT Promotion (KAIT) in the Republic of Korea (ROK) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a structured framework for cooperation in artificial intelligence, technology, digital transformation and innovation.

The agreement, signed virtually on Thursday, marks a key milestone in IRGDD’s Technology Diplomacy Agenda. The initiative aims to connect diplomatic engagement with emerging technologies, economic opportunities and knowledge exchange between Nepal and the ROK.

Through its Technology Diplomacy Agenda, IRGDD seeks to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among governments, diplomatic institutions, technology entities, businesses and academic institutions on the strategic opportunities and challenges created by technological transformation.

The partnership builds on a broader bilateral relationship between Nepal and the ROK, which has increasingly integrated technology and innovation alongside traditional areas such as trade, industry, energy, infrastructure, connectivity and people-to-people ties. The Government of Nepal previously identified technology as a priority area for bilateral engagement.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Dr Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, President of IRGDD, said the partnership was important for advancing the organisation’s Technology Diplomacy Agenda and expressed confidence that the collaboration would create opportunities for knowledge exchange, institutional cooperation and meaningful engagement between Nepal and the ROK.

Dr Jeong Ki Kim, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KAIT, welcomed the agreement and said he hoped the MoU would provide a foundation for practical cooperation and exchanges in AI, ICT, digital transformation and innovation between the two countries.

The agreement aims to establish technology and innovation as an emerging bridge between Nepal and the ROK, aiding the evolution of their longstanding bilateral relationship towards a digitally connected partnership.

IRGDD is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit platform based in Nepal that focuses on international relations, policy dialogue and strategic cooperation. KAIT is an organisation in the ROK working to strengthen the AI and ICT sector through public–private cooperation, research, digital talent development and international partnerships.