Multidisciplinary International Conference: An Initiative to Put Karnali in Intellectual Map

The ‘Multidisciplinary International Conference-2026’ held at Mid-Western University has concluded. The conference, which started on April 24, aimed to establish Karnali in the intellectual map of potential.

Dr Yadu Prasad Gyawali, Executive Director of the Directorate of International Relations of Mid-Western University and Coordinator of the Conference Management Committee, stated that bringing research culture, academic dialogue, and partnerships among stakeholders onto a single national and international platform was a significant achievement of the conference.

According to him, the conference came to a conclusion to set up ‘Diaspora Contact Office’ for strong and regular collaboration with the Nepali diaspora, initiate a ‘Digital Herbarium and Wellness Tourism Initiative’ to utilise the rich biodiversity of Karnali, to develop AI tools in local languages for the preservation and promotion of cultural and linguistic heritage, to implement a ‘Green Campus Roadmap’ to make universities environmentally friendly, and establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track progress and ensure results.

Similarly, Dr Bishnu Kumar Khadka, Executive Director of the University’s Planning, Development and Monitoring Directorate, said that the discussions held at the conference were an important step towards translating the conclusion into concrete commitments.

He stated that the conference pointed out real progress can only be achieved through technology guided by human values, collaboration across different sectors, and global knowledge that aligns with local wisdom. According to him, practical work should be focused on for the effective implementation of the issues raised at the conference.

A clear message from the conference, describing the ‘paradox of digital divide’, stated, “We want to use digital devices. However, we must ensure that citizens in remote areas are not left behind. Digital progress should reduce inequality, not increase it. We must move forward with new ideas and strong determination. Karnali needs not just a conference, but ongoing cooperation, investment, and practical action.”

Dr Gyawali, the convener of the conference management committee, mentioned that the conference particularly emphasised on policies such as knowledge, human values, local and practical applications of AI, entrepreneurship, research, evaluation systems, artificial intelligence, digital and economic transformation, and the role of the diaspora.

He stated that Karnali is expected to be revived primarily as a centre of knowledge, international research network and policy recommendation. (RSS)