Kathmandu, February 11, 2025 – The Safer Internet Day 2025 celebration was held today at the Marriott Hotel, Naxal, with a strong emphasis on promoting digital literacy, online safety, and inclusivity in Nepal's growing digital landscape. Organized by WorldLink Communications, the event featured a series of interactive sessions, speeches, and panel discussions.
The program commenced with the registration of participants, followed by the national anthem. Anupa Bhandari Jalan, Promoter Shareholder and Head of the CSR Department at WorldLink, delivered the welcome speech and inaugurated the event with Ramesh Sharma Paudyal, Director General of the Department of IT (DoIT), and Keshav Nepal.
The event included speeches from key stakeholders, including Mr. Paudyal, who emphasized the importance of Safer Internet Day in fostering awareness about online security. A notable segment featured experience-sharing by LOCUS, a leading organization in tech innovation, which shed light on digital challenges and opportunities in Nepal.
Two panel discussions addressed pressing issues related to online safety:
Panel Discussion Team A: Building Digital Literacy and Online Safety in Nepal: Empowering Communities for Secure Internet, moderated by Achyoot Poudel, included panelists such as Raj Kumar Maharjan from the National Cyber Security Center and Saroj Lamichhane from the Securities Board of Nepal.
Panel Discussion Team B: Bridging the Digital Divides: Promoting Online Safety and Inclusivity in Nepal's Growing Landscape, also moderated by Mr. Poudel, featured experts like DSP Janardan Ghimire from the Cyber Bureau and representatives from UNICEF and academia.
The event concluded with the distribution of Women in Action (WIA) certificates to participants, presented by Ms. Jalan, and a closing note by Samani Subedi. The participants engaged in networking over high tea.
This year’s celebration underscored the need for collective efforts in ensuring a safer and inclusive digital environment, especially as Nepal continues to embrace rapid digital transformation.