NepalIctForum

Introduction

Information and Communication Technologies can be a powerful media in efforts to bring　positive and sustainable development to the communities around the globe. In the case of least developed countries like Nepal, who missed the opportunity to have agricultural/industrial revolution, ICT technology would be the very powerful enabler to pull the growth of the country. In course of history, we witnessed the social widespread poverty, social and economic inequalities. The major factor to contribute these inequalities is due to the lack of information dissemination among the communities contributing further in retaining illiteracy, uninformed society further leading to increase the poverty. We also know that a major gap has always existed between affluent people living in developed societies has an access to modern information technology whereas underprivileged people living in rural communities has no access to information technology. Even today, an unequal adoption of ICT technology excludes many from the digital economy. And, this unequal adoption of ICT technology will definitely will further widen the gap between reach and poor thereby contributing social instability. As responsible elements of society, we realize that it is necessary for us to make the technology more affordable. From research and engineering point of view, can we make the technology more affordable and accessible? This question is very valuable for us and a new challenge for researchers.

ICT Research Forum Nepal, has been established with a group of researchers who are more aware to contribute the society through providing the solution to the core reason of social instability. And, our solution will totally be started from technology re-introduction. We believe that technology is one of the largest contributors to widen the gap between affluent and non-privileged. We agreed that it is a tremendous challenge, if not used properly and if not made accessible and affordable ICT can increase existing social and economic inequalities. Thus, our research will focus particularly to make ICT more affordable and accessible. We strongly believe that this will provide more fair and equal opportunity among the societies.