CNX Nepal


Empowering Voices, Connecting Communities:Community Networks for Social Change

The Community Network Xchange (CNX) event in Nepal aims to bring together community network initiators, creators, practitioners, and enthusiasts to discuss and explore the transformative potential of community networks for social change. This event will serve as a platform for raising awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange, building capacity, fostering collaboration, and advocating for policy changes to support community-driven Internet connectivity. For the first time ever in Nepal, the Community Network Xchange event will bring together community network practitioners and supporters of community-driven Internet connectivity with the goal of exchanging ideas, knowledge and working as an inspiration for the grassroots connectivity movement. The event's goal is to continuously use the power of information, knowledge and the expertise of community networks to empower communities-especially those that are marginalized and lack access to information-across Nepal. The Community Network Xchange event in Nepal aims to bring together community network initiator, creator, practitioners and enthusiasts to discuss the potential of community networks for social change. The conference, titled "Empowering Voices, Connecting Communities: Community Networks for Social Change" will convene stakeholders, experts, practitioners, and advocates to explore how community networks can be leveraged for social change in Nepal. Key goals include raising awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange, providing capacity-building opportunities, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and creating a platform for advocacy and policy dialogue. 

https://forms.gle/RjbTBRxK4AErzYZBA 

 Community Network Xchange - Asia Pacific Nepal Chapter 2024

Date: August 31, 2024 | Day: Saturday

Venue: Texas International  College

Mitrapark, Kathmandu, Nepal


“Empowering Voices, Connecting Communities: Community Networks for Social Change”

Time

Sessions

08:30 - 09:30 AM

Registration along with Networking and Breakfast

09:30 - 11:30 AM

Opening Ceremony:

  • Program Chair- Mr. Bikram Shrestha- President, Nepal Internet Foundation 

  • Chief Guest Ministry of Communication and Technology, Hon'ble Minister- Mr. Prithvi Subba Gurung  

  • Special Guest- Formal Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Ganesh Shah  

  • Guest - Nepal Telecom, Managing Director, Mrs. Sangita Pahadee (Aryal)  

  • Guest- Kathmandu Metropolitan, Ward No. 7, Chairperson, Mr. Vimal Kumar Hoda  

  • Guest - Texas International College, Chairman, Mr. Bhesh Raj Pokharel 

  • International Guest- Internet Society, Regional Infrastructure and Connectivity Director, Mr. Naveed Ul Haq  

  • International Guest- Digital Empowerment Foundation, Deputy Director, Mr. Saurabh Srivastava  

  • National Anthem  

  • Dip Prajwalan by Chief Guest 

………………………………………………………………….

  • Community Network Exchange- Nepal - Video Presentation  

  • Opening Remark and Program Highlight by – Mr. Bikram Shrestha, President- Nepal Internet Foundation  

  • Welcome Remarks by Mr. Bhesh Raj Pokhrel, Chairperson, Texas College.  

  • Keynote Speaker: Mr. Naveed Ul Haq - Regional Infrastructure and Connectivity Director, Internet Society.  

  • Guest - Mr. Saurabh Srivastava from Digital Empowerment Foundation - India  

  • Guest - Mr. Vimal Kumar Hoda (Kathmandu Metropolitan, Ward 7 chair).

  • Guest - Mrs. Sangita Pahadee (Aryal) Managing Director- Nepal Telecom. 

  • Special Guest - Mr. Ganesh Shah (Formal Minister of Education, Science and Technology)

  • Token Love by Chief Guest and Certificate of Appreciation to CNX Organization.

  • Chief Guest Mr. Prithivi Subba Gurung (Ministry of Communication & Information Technology)

Token of Love and Appreciation letter to Chief Guest.

11:30- 11:45

Recess along with Tea/ Coffee

11:45-12:45

Panel Discussion - Shaping the Future of Connectivity in Nepal and South Asia.

Moderator: Mr. Bikram Shrestha

Panelists: 

1. Nepal Telecom, MD, Mrs. Sangita Pahadi 

2. NTA, Deputy Director, Dr. Pradip Paudyal 

3. Technology For All, CEO/ Founder, Mr. Chehen Lama 

4. Delta Law Firm, CEO/ Founder, Mr. Babu Ram Aryal 

5. ISP Association BOD Member/ NPNOG Chair- Mr. Samit Jana 

6. Digital Empowerment Foundation/ Deputy Director- Mr. Saurav Srivastava

TOKEN OF LOVE TO PANELISTS

12:45- 01:30 

Lighting Talks followed by presentation from the Community Network Experts on Good practices in Connectivity and Access in Rural and Mountainous areas of Nepal.

Presenter:

  1. Nepal Internet Foundation- Program Director, Mr. Bikash Khatri 

  2. 2. Hello World – Ms. Melina Shyaula 

  3. 3. Technology For All- Mr. Rabi Raj Khadka 

  4. 4. KACIFIC – Country Director, Mr. Pradeep Panhaur

TOKEN OF LOVE TO SPEAKERS

01:30-02:30

Lunch Break 


03:00- 03:30

Flash talks on bridging the gender digital divide: strategies for inclusivity connectivity 

Moderator: Ms. Shikha Shrestha, Women in IT

  1. Panelists: 1. NREN, Executive Director, Mr. Rajan Parajuli 

  2. NCELL, Act CTO, Ms. Lena Kansakar 

  3. Blue Diamond Society, Program Coordinator- Anuj Rai Petter

TOKEN OF LOVE TO PANELISTS

03:45- 04:00

Empowering the Next Generation: Youth in Community Networks (Expectations)

A session focused on the potential of youth in driving the future of community networks, featuring organizations championing gender inclusivity)

1. Ms. Anand Gautam 

2. Mr. Ashirwad Tripathy 

3. Ms. Kabita Bahing

TOKEN OF LOVE TO SPEAKERS

04:00-04:30 

Closing Remark by Technology for all,

Vote of Thanks- Nepal Internet Foundation, 

Followed by: Token of Love, 

Certificate of Appreciation, 

Certificate to Participants and Group Photo, 

Networking Served refreshment and Hi-Tea


Thank You for your Valuable Time and Support.